Static Electricity | How does an object become electrically charged?
How does an object become electrically charged?
An increase or decrease in the number of electrons in an object gives it an electrical charge. When an object gains electrons, it becomes negatively charged. When it loses electrons, it becomes positively charged.
In some materials, such as copper and silver, electrons can move around freely. These "free" electrons make these two metals good conductors. A conductorA substance able to carry an electrical current. is a substance that is able to carry an electrical current. In other materials, electrons are tightly bound to their atoms. These materials, such as glass, rubber, and dry wood, do not conduct electricity easily, so they are good insulatorsA material through which little or no electrical current will flow. and can be used...
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