Sparks

Electrons

An atom consists of a small positively charged nucleus surrounded by an equal number of negatively charged electrons.

In a stable, neutral atom there are the same amounts of positive and negative charges.

All electrostatic effects are due to the movement of electrons.

The law of electric charge states that: like charges repel, unlike charges attract.

When a polythene rod is rubbed with a duster, electrons are transferred from the acetate to the duster, leaving the acetate rod positively charged.

In general an object has:

-a negative charge due to an excess of electrons

-a positive charge due to a lack of electrons

Atoms or molecules that have become charged are ions.