Basics of electricity - Electric equilibrium

[akunohana@piefed.blahaj.zone]

The core, the nucleus, of an atom consists of positively charged protons and of neutrons that do not have any charge. The nucleus in its entirety is considered to be positively charged. Surrounding the atomic nucleus is cloud of electrons. Electrons are negatively charged. If the number of electrons are the same as the number of protons, then the atom is electrically neutral. There is a electric equilibrium.

Source: https://www.sciencefacts.net/atom-2.html (2026-08-31)

This equilibrium can change. This happens when the number of electrons is unequal to the number of protons. The atom is then called an ion. If there are more electrons then protons, the ion is negatively charged. If there are less electrons than protons, the ion is positivley charged. Any object or material that contains ions is no longer electrically neutral. It is has an electric charge or potential. Between to differently charged objects or materia, there is potential difference or voltage. This electric imbalance always wants to equalize: atoms "want to be" neutral. Ions are either going to give or receive the amount of electrons needed to achieve this equilibrium. This happens when two differently charged objects or materia directly touch or it can happen by influence in an electric field. Until a charge is equalized it remains and is considered static. An example of charges equalizing by direct contact is when two differently charged people touch each other and experience a shock. An example of charges equializing through electric fields is lightning striking the ground. In the latter example, the potential difference between clouds and the ground is so big that matter between them is ionized and finally, when the potentinal difference is big enough, the charges equalize in form of a visible current. Another example is dust particles being pulled towards oppositely charged electric devices in your home.

To be continued.