Science·Energy·conceptual
Static electricity and sparks
Explain static electricity as the build-up of electric charge through friction, describe how charged objects attract or repel each other, and relate static discharge to everyday phenomena such as lightning
Suggested ages 11–12
Evidence of understanding
- Explains that rubbing transfers electrons from one material to another, creating opposite charges
- States that like charges repel and unlike charges attract
- Links the concept of static discharge to the formation of lightning as a large-scale electric spark
Assessment prompt
Can Static electricity and sparks explain why a balloon rubbed on hair sticks to the wall, and connect this to the science of how lightning forms during a thunderstorm?
Standards alignment
No external standards are linked to this topic.