What is Static Electricity? | Definition, Types, Formula & Examples
Static Electricity
Static electricity is the accumulation of electrical charge on the surface of an object. This is called “static” because the charges stay in one area instead of moving or “flowing” to another.
We see static electricity every day. It can even accumulate on us. For example, when we rub our feet on the carpet and then drop something when we touch it. It is the static electricity that we have built up on the surface of our skin and discharge it onto another object. We also see it when our hair stands up and stands straight out or when our pant legs keep sticking to our legs. It’s all static electricity that builds up on the surface of an object.
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What is Static Electricity?
In the study of atoms, we already know that atoms are made up of small particles called neutrons, protons, and electrons. Neutrons and protons make up the nucleus. Electrons revolve around the outside of the nucleus. A static charge forms when two surfaces touch and electrons move from one object to another.
One object will have a positive charge and the other will have a negative charge. Rubbing objects quickly, such as when you quickly rub a ball on something or rub your feet on a carpet, builds up a large amount of electrical charge. Objects with different charges (positive and negative) will attract each other, while objects with the same charge (positive and negative) will attract each other. Kind of like a magnet.
An example of this is when you slide down a slide and all your hair straightens out. This is because sliding friction has created a positive charge that builds up on each strand of hair. Since each hair has the same electrical charge, they both try to move away from each other and eventually straighten out.
Does it have any real uses?
Static electricity has a number of uses, also known as applications, in the real world. Its primary use is in printers and copiers, where static charges draw ink or toner to the paper. Other applications include paint sprayers, air filters and dust collectors.
It can damage Electronics:
Static electricity can also cause damage. Some electronic chips, such as those found in computers, are very sensitive to static electricity. There are special bags for storing electrical components so that they are not destroyed by static electricity. Additionally, people who work with these types of electronic devices wear special wristbands to keep them “grounded” so they don’t build up static electricity and damage electronic components.
Interesting facts about Static Electricity?
An electrostatic spark can measure thousands of volts, but has very little current flow and is short-lived. This means it has little power or energy.
Lightning is a powerful and dangerous example of static electricity.
As dangerous as lightning, about 70% of people hit by lightning survive.
Temperatures in a flash can go up to 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit.