P5 - Flashcards in GCSE Physics

Created by: farrrfarr
Created on: 06-11-14 08:18

Electric current is the flow of electric charge. Some insulating materials become electrically charged when they are rubbed together.

A substance that gains electrons becomes negatively charged, while a substance that loses electrons becomes positively charged.

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When you rub two different insulating materials against each other they become electrically charged. This only works for insulated objects - conductors direct the charge flow to earth.

When the materials are rubbed against each other: Negatively charged particles called electrons move from one material to the other The material that loses electrons becomes positively charged The material that gains electrons becomes negatively char

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If two charged objects are brought close together they are either attracted towards each other, or they are repelled away from each other.

If they have the same type of charge they will repel and push away from each other.

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Two negative charges placed near each other will repel each other, and so will two positive charges.

If they have opposite charges they will attract each other. When a positive charge and a negative charge are placed near each other they will attract each other.

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Metal atoms release some of their electrons, and these electrons are free to move through the structure of the metal. This is why metals are good conductors of electricity

Insulators have no charges free to move, which is why they do not conduct electricity.

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In an electrical circuit, all the components have charges that are free to move. When a circuit is made, the battery causes these free charges to move. They move in a continuous loop around the circuit.

The strength of an electric current is measured in amperes, usually shortened to amps. Amps are a measure of how much electric charge is flowing round the circuit.

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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

Back

When you rub two different insulating materials against each other they become electrically charged. This only works for insulated objects - conductors direct the charge flow to earth.

Card 3

Front

If they have the same type of charge they will repel and push away from each other.

Back

Card 4

Front

If they have opposite charges they will attract each other. When a positive charge and a negative charge are placed near each other they will attract each other.

Back

Card 5

Front

Insulators have no charges free to move, which is why they do not conduct electricity.

Back

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