1. Electric Charge & Static Electricity 17.1

2. Electric Charges The law of electric charges states that like charges repel and opposite charges attract. The size of the electric force between two objects depends on the size of the charges exerting the force and the distance between the objects Charged objects exert a force on each other and can cause each other to move

3. Building Charges Objects become charged when they gain or lose electrons. The electrostatic series can help identify the charges as positive or negative and the strength of the charges. Objects may become charged by friction, conduction or induction. Conduction is when electrons move through direct contact with atoms. Induction happens when charges in an uncharged object are rearranged without direct contact but proximity to a charged object. (balloon sticking to board)

4. Moving Charges Charges are not created or destroyed but are said to be conserved. Charges move easily in conductors but do not move easily in insulators Static electricity is the buildup of electric charges on an object. It is lost through electric discharge. Lightning discharges the charges that build up in clouds through friction caused by moving particles. Lightning rods move charges into the ground where they can do little damage.