What is static electricity?

In this lesson, we will be learning all about static electricity. We will learn how static charges occur and what happens when they are discharged. We will also be exploring how to create our own static charges with a balloon! If you have a balloon at home then you can use it for this lesson. If you don't then don't worry, you will still be able to watch the demonstrations and complete the lesson.

What is static electricity?

In this lesson, we will be learning all about static electricity. We will learn how static charges occur and what happens when they are discharged. We will also be exploring how to create our own static charges with a balloon! If you have a balloon at home then you can use it for this lesson. If you don't then don't worry, you will still be able to watch the demonstrations and complete the lesson.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Describe what static charge is
  2. Describe how to create a build up of static charge
  3. How a build up of charge can lead to sparks through the air

Licence

This content is made available by Oak National Academy Limited and its partners and licensed under Oak’s terms & conditions (Collection 1), except where otherwise stated.

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5 Questions

Q1.
What happens to the charges to make a static charge build up?
the charges become balanced
the charges become excited
Correct answer: the charges become unbalanced
Q2.
What can cause a static charge?
when a metallic and plastic material are next to each other
Correct answer: when some materials rub against each other
when two materials repel each other
Q3.
How can we tell if a balloon is 'charged'?
It will deflate
It will pop
Correct answer: It will stick to the wall
Q4.
What causes the build up in charge when lightning occurs?
Clouds becoming hotter and hotter
Correct answer: Particles in clouds rubbing against each other
The sun shining through rain droplets
Q5.
Why does static electricity need to be discharged?
Correct answer: To make the amount of charge balanced again
To make the amount of charge unbalanced

Lesson appears in

UnitScience / Electrical circuits

Science