Electrostatics- Electric Charges and Fields
Chapter 1: Electric Charges and Fields 1.1 INTRODUCTION (Electrostatics) Meaning of Electrostatics Electrostatics is the branch of physics that deals with the study of electric charges at rest and the forces, fields, and potentials associated with them. The word static means unchanging with time. Hence, electrostatics concerns itself with situations where charges are not in continuous motion, unlike current electricity. Everyday Experiences of Electrostatics Electrostatic effects are commonly observed in daily life, such as: crackling sound while removing synthetic or woollen clothes Attraction of small paper bits by a rubbed comb Electric shock while touching a metal door after walking on carpet Lightning during thunderstorms These phenomena occur due to accumulation and sudden discharge of electric charges . Cause of Electrostatic Phenomena Electrostatic effects arise mainly due to a. Rubbing of insulating surfaces b. Transfer of electrons c. Imbalance of electric charges No n...