Page 140: How can amber become electrically charged?

Amber can become electrically charged through a process known as triboelectric charging, which occurs when two different materials come into contact and then are separated. Here’s how it works step by step: 1. **Contact**: When amber comes into contact with another material (like fur or cloth), electrons can be transferred from one material to the other. This transfer occurs because different materials have different affinities for electrons. 2. **Separation**: When the two materials are pulled apart, the electrons that were transferred remain on the surface of the materials. This leaves one material with a surplus of electrons (negatively charged) and the other with a deficit of electrons (positively charged). 3. **Resulting Charge**: In the case of amber, if it is rubbed with fur, it can gain electrons from the fur, becoming negatively charged. The fur, having lost electrons, becomes positively charged. 4. **Static Electricity**: The charged amber can then attract small particles or other neutral objects, demonstrating the effects of static electricity. This phenomenon is a classic example of how materials can become electrically charged through friction and contact.