Question

discuss each of the following questions with your group; record your best answers (in your words), then check your answers.

1. label the electrons and protons. add their charge.
2. the helium atom shown holds on to it electrons. insulator or conductor?
3. identify the charge on each ball below. (5 balls, 6 possible charges.)
4. draw the forces between each pair of charges.

a.
b.
c.

1. aniyah uses a screwdriver made from pvc plastic when working with electronic wiring. why might this be better than a standard metal - shafted screwdriver?

Explanation:

1. For the helium atom: The central cluster contains protons, each with a +1 charge; the two small particles on the outer ring are electrons, each with a -1 charge.
2. Atoms that hold tightly to their electrons do not allow free electron flow, which is a property of insulators.
3. The first ball has a negative (-) charge. The second ball is repelled by the negative ball, so it also has a negative (-) charge. The third ball is attracted to the negative second ball, so it has a positive (+) charge. The fourth ball is repelled by the positive third ball, so it has a positive (+) charge. The fifth ball is attracted to the positive fourth ball, so it has a negative (-) charge.
4. a. Like positive charges repel each other, so forces point away from each charge.

b. Opposite charges attract each other, so forces point toward each other.
c. A neutral object is attracted to a negative charge, so forces point toward each other.

1. PVC plastic is an insulator, which does not conduct electricity. A metal screwdriver is a conductor that could carry electric current, risking electric shock; the plastic screwdriver prevents this.

Answer:

1. Central cluster (protons): Each proton has a charge of $+1$; Outer ring particles (electrons): Each electron has a charge of $-1$
2. Insulator
3. Ball 1: $-$, Ball 2: $-$, Ball 3: $+$, Ball 4: $+$, Ball 5: $-$
4. a. Two outward-pointing arrows (one from each + charge, pointing away from the other)

b. Two inward-pointing arrows (one from each charge, pointing toward the other)
c. Two inward-pointing arrows (one from each object, pointing toward the other)

1. PVC plastic is an electrical insulator, so it prevents electric current from flowing through it, reducing the risk of electric shock while working with electronic wiring, unlike a conductive metal screwdriver.