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2.4.4Atoms, Elements and Compounds

Uses and Dangers of Static Electricity — Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry 0620 Revision Notes & Topical Questions

5 min read 4 parts Lesson 26 of 26 Unit quiz

📚 Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry 0620 Hub / Topical Revision
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Curriculum Equation Key قوانين الرقم الهيدروجيني والاتزان الأيوني - pH & Acid-Base Equilibrium FormulasFast Exam Solution
pH = -log[H⁺] | pOH = -log[OH⁻] | pH + pOH = 14 | [H⁺][OH⁻] = 10⁻¹⁴
Word Equation & Conditions: الرقم الهيدروجيني = -لوغاريتم تركيز أيون الهيدروجين | pH + pOH = 14
Location & Specifications: الاتزان الأيوني، كيمياء 3 ثانوي، التحصيلي، و AP Chemistry.
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Part 1 of 4Photocopiers

1
An image of the document is projected onto a positively charged plate.
2
The plate loses its charge in the light areas but keeps its positive charge in the dark areas, which form the text.
3
Negatively charged black toner powder is applied, and it sticks only to the positively charged areas of the plate.
4
The toner is transferred to a blank sheet of paper, and heating fixes it in place, which is why copies feel warm.
5
Inkjet printers use a similar idea, with a jet of negatively charged ink attracted to the correct place on the page.

Part 2 of 4Insecticide Sprayers

Charging the spray droplets makes the spray fine and spread widely, so less chemical is needed.

Charging droplets
  • Charging droplets The insecticide droplets leave the sprayer with the same electrostatic charge, such as positive.
Repulsion
  • Repulsion Droplets with the same charge repel each other, so the spray breaks into a fine mist that covers a large area.
Attraction
  • Attraction The droplets are attracted to the surface being sprayed, so they land on the crop rather than drifting away.
Benefit
  • Benefit Less insecticide is needed to cover the same area, which reduces cost and the environmental impact of the chemical.

Part 3 of 4Dangers and Earthing

Dangers and Earthing
Sparking
  • Sparking A large build-up of charge produces a large potential difference across a gap, and a spark can then jump across it.
Fire and explosion
  • Fire and explosion A spark close to a flammable gas or liquid, such as aviation fuel, can ignite it and cause an explosion.
Earthing
  • Earthing Connecting an object to earth with a conductor lets the build-up of charge flow away safely.
Bonding line
  • Bonding line A copper wire connecting an aircraft's fuel tank to earth during refuelling provides a safe path for the charge.

Part 4 of 4Exam Checklist & Tips

2.4.4 – Key Points for the Exam

  • Static electricity The build-up of electric charge on an object that is not able to flow away.
  • Electrostatic charge A charge held on an object, which can attract or repel other charged objects.
  • Earthing Connecting an object to earth with a conductor so that unwanted charge can flow away.
  • Spark A discharge of charge through air, which happens when the potential difference across a gap is large enough.
  • Bonding line A conducting wire that connects an aircraft to earth during refuelling to prevent sparks.

Common Mistakes

  • Saying that earthing adds positive charge to an object;
    • earthing lets charge flow away, and electrons move to or from earth.
  • Explaining the sprayer without mentioning that droplets with the same charge repel each other.
  • Stating that sparks happen only with large currents; a spark needs a large potential difference across a gap.
  • Describing charge flow without naming which way the electrons move when an object is earthed.

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