📚 Topic Summary
Coulomb's Law describes the electrostatic interaction between electrically charged objects. This lab activity explores this force using simple materials like balloons and tape. By observing how these charged objects attract or repel each other, we can qualitatively understand Coulomb's Law and the factors that influence electrostatic force, such as charge and distance. The activity aims to provide a hands-on experience of the principles governing electrostatic interactions.
🧮 Part A: Vocabulary
Match the terms with their definitions:
| Term |
Definition |
| 1. Coulomb |
A. The fundamental unit of electric charge |
| 2. Electrostatic Force |
B. The force between stationary charged objects |
| 3. Charge |
C. The SI unit of electric charge |
| 4. Attraction |
D. The force that pulls objects together |
| 5. Repulsion |
E. The force that pushes objects apart |
Answer Key:
- 🔍 1. C
- 💡 2. B
- 📝 3. A
- 🧪 4. D
- ⚛️ 5. E
✍️ Part B: Fill in the Blanks
Coulomb's Law states that the electrostatic force between two charged objects is directly proportional to the __________ of the charges and inversely proportional to the __________ of the distance between them. This force can be either __________ or __________, depending on the sign of the charges.
Answer Key:
- ⚡ Product
- 📏 Square
- ➕ Attractive
- ➖ Repulsive
🤔 Part C: Critical Thinking
How would increasing the distance between two charged balloons affect the electrostatic force between them? Explain your reasoning.
Answer Key:
- 💡 Increasing the distance between two charged balloons would decrease the electrostatic force between them. According to Coulomb's Law, the electrostatic force is inversely proportional to the square of the distance. Therefore, as distance increases, the force rapidly diminishes.