AFOQT Practice Test

What phenomenon occurs when there is an excess buildup of charges on a surface?

1. Electric circuit

2. Electrostatic charge

3. Electric field

4. Magnetic field

The correct answer is: Electrostatic charge

The phenomenon that occurs when there is an excess buildup of charges on a surface is known as electrostatic charge. When an object accumulates an imbalance of positive and negative charges, it generates an electric field around it. This accumulation typically happens through processes like friction, conduction, or induction, leading to an electrostatic state. Electrostatic charge can cause a range of physical effects, such as static electricity, where the excess charges may create a noticeable shock upon contact with another object. Additionally, when the charge is significant enough, it can lead to phenomena like electrostatic discharge, which is the sudden flow of electricity between two charged objects. In contrast to electrostatic charge, an electric circuit involves the flow of electric current through conductors, while an electric field is the influence that a charge exerts on other charges in its vicinity. A magnetic field, on the other hand, is related to moving electric charges and does not directly describe the accumulation of charge on a surface. Understanding these definitions helps clarify why electrostatic charge is the correct answer for the buildup of excess charges on a surface.