This definitions covers Key Terms within Static Electricity for GCSE Physics. Revise Static Electricity in Electricity for GCSE Physics with 15 exam-style questions and 12 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 8 of 15 in this topic. Make sure you can use the exact wording confidently, because definition marks are often lost through vague language.
Topic position
Section 8 of 15
Practice
15 questions
Recall
12 flashcards
📖 Key Terms
- Static electricity
- A build-up of electric charge on the surface of an insulating material, caused by the transfer of electrons when two materials are rubbed together.
- Electric field
- A region in space where a charged object experiences a force. The direction of the field is the direction of force on a positive charge placed at that point.
- Electric field line
- A line on a field diagram showing the direction of force on a positive charge. Lines point away from positive charges and toward negative charges. Closer spacing = stronger field.
- Earthing
- Connecting a charged object to the ground (earth) via a conducting wire. Electrons can flow to or from earth, neutralising the charge and preventing dangerous build-up.
- Potential difference (voltage)
- The difference in electric potential between two points. When potential difference is large enough, it can cause discharge through air (a spark).
- Discharge
- The rapid flow of charge from a charged object. Can be gradual (earthing) or sudden (spark or lightning bolt).
- Electrostatic induction
- The redistribution of charge within a neutral object caused by a nearby charged object, without direct contact.