What is static electricity?

In this lesson, we will be learning all about static electricity. We will learn how static charges occur and what happens when they are discharged. We will also be exploring how to create our own static charges with a balloon! If you have a balloon at home then you can use it for this lesson. If you don't then don't worry, you will still be able to watch the demonstrations and complete the lesson.

Video

Play video

Click on the play button to start the video. If your teacher asks you to pause the video and look at the worksheet you should:

  • Click "Close Video"
  • Click "Next" to view the activity

Your video will re-appear on the next page, and will stay paused in the right place.

This quiz includes images that don't have any alt text - please contact your teacher who should be able to help you with an audio description.

Unit quizzes are being retired in August 2023

Why we're removing unit quizzes from the website >
Quiz:

What is static electricity?

Don't worry if you get a question wrong! Forgetting is an important step in learning. We will recap next lesson.

Q1.What happens to the charges to make a static charge build up?

1/5

Q2.What can cause a static charge?

2/5

Q3.How can we tell if a balloon is 'charged'?

3/5

Q4.What causes the build up in charge when lightning occurs?

4/5

Q5.Why does static electricity need to be discharged?

5/5

This quiz includes images that don't have any alt text - please contact your teacher who should be able to help you with an audio description.

Unit quizzes are being retired in August 2023

Why we're removing unit quizzes from the website >
Quiz:

What is static electricity?

Don't worry if you get a question wrong! Forgetting is an important step in learning. We will recap next lesson.

Q1.What happens to the charges to make a static charge build up?

1/5

Q2.What can cause a static charge?

2/5

Q3.How can we tell if a balloon is 'charged'?

3/5

Q4.What causes the build up in charge when lightning occurs?

4/5

Q5.Why does static electricity need to be discharged?

5/5

Lesson summary: What is static electricity?

It looks like you have not completed the quiz.

To share your results with your teacher please complete the quiz.

Time to move!

Did you know that exercise helps your concentration and ability to learn?

For 5 mins...

Move around:
Walk

On the spot:
Dance