Electrostatics

Electrostatics

Electrostatics is the branch of Physics, Which deals with static electric charges or charges at rest. The charges in a electrostatic field are analogous to masses in a gravitational field. These charges have forces acting on them and hence posses potential energy. The ideas are widely used in many branches of electricity and in the theory of atom

Electrostatics – Frictional electricity

              In 600 B.C., Thales, a Greek Philosopher observed that, when a piece of amber is rubbed with fur, it acquires the property of attracting light objects like bits of paper. In the 17^th century, William Gilbert discovered that, glass, ebonite etc, also exhibit this property, when rubbed with suitable materials.

             The substances which acquire charges on rubbing are said to be ‘electrified’ or charged. These terms are derived from the Greek word electron, meaning amber. The electricity produced by friction is called frictional electricity. If the charges in a body do not move, then, the frictional electricity is also known as Static Electricity