Lesson 8 of 9

Static electricity

Goal: Explain how objects become charged.

Puzzles for this lesson

Rub two different materials together and electrons can move from one to the other. Both objects are left with a charge.

Gain electrons and you become negative. Lose electrons and you become positive.
Only the electrons move. The positive charges stay where they are.
Like charges repel. Opposite charges attract.

Your turn

This lesson’s activity starts here in a moment.

I can say that rubbing moves electrons.I can predict whether two charged objects attract or repel.

This lesson on one page. Tap it to make it bigger.

Electron A tiny particle with a negative charge

Static electricity Charge that builds up on an object

For teachers: AQA 3.2.2 · Pearson Edexcel 34.1, 34.2