When an electric charge builds up on the surface of an object it makes static electricity you might have got a small electric shock which is static electricity this happens when an electric charge is quickly cancelled out by an opposite charge

By Dana Jordan

Published in Science

February 02, 2024

2 min read

When an electric charge builds up on the surface of an object it makes static electricity

Static electricity is a fascinating phenomenon that many of us have experienced in our daily lives. Have you ever reached out to touch a metal doorknob and received a small electric shock? That shock is the result of static electricity. But how does it happen?

When an object builds up an electric charge on its surface, it creates static electricity. This usually occurs when two objects come into contact with each other and then separate. The friction between the two materials causes electrons, which are negatively charged particles, to be transferred from one object to the other.

You might be wondering why this happens. Well, everything around us is made up of tiny particles called atoms. Atoms consist of a nucleus, which contains positively charged protons and uncharged neutrons, surrounded by negatively charged electrons. Normally, the number of protons and electrons in an atom is balanced, resulting in a neutral charge.

However, when two objects rub against each other, the friction allows electrons to easily transfer between them. This transfer disrupts the balance of positive and negative charges, resulting in an object becoming positively or negatively charged. This is what we call static electricity.

To understand this concept better, let’s consider an example. Imagine you are walking on a carpet wearing socks, and then you touch a metal doorknob. As you walk, the friction between your socks and the carpet causes electrons to move from the atoms in the carpet to the atoms in your socks. This buildup of extra electrons on your socks creates a negative charge. When you touch the doorknob, which is grounded, the excess negative charge on your socks quickly discharges, creating a small electric shock.

It’s important to note that static electricity occurs when the buildup of electric charge is quickly canceled out by an opposite charge. This is why the electric shock is felt momentarily and not continuously. The charges equalize, and everything returns to its neutral state.

Now that we understand how static electricity is generated, let’s explore some everyday examples of static electricity. Ever noticed how your hair stands on end after taking off a woolen hat? This happens because friction between the hat and your hair causes electrons to be transferred, resulting in the hair strands repelling each other.

Moreover, static electricity can also be generated when you peel off a plastic wrap or remove clothes from a dryer. On some occasions, you may have seen a spark or heard a crackling sound as you remove these materials. These occurrences are a result of the discharge of static electricity.

Static electricity is not only an interesting scientific concept but also has practical applications. It is utilized in various industries like printing, painting, and electronics. For example, in painting, the process of electrostatic painting involves charging paint particles, resulting in a more efficient and even coverage on objects.

Understanding static electricity can help us prevent certain accidents as well. For instance, in certain industries where flammable gases or substances are present, static electricity discharge can lead to fires or explosions. By taking preventive measures and using grounding techniques, such accidents can be avoided.

In conclusion, static electricity occurs when an electric charge builds up on the surface of an object and is quickly canceled out by an opposite charge. This natural phenomenon, caused by the transfer of electrons through friction, can result in small electric shocks that we often encounter in our daily lives. From the mundane experiences like hair standing on end to its industrial applications, static electricity continues to captivate our curiosity.