what do you know about static electricity?

Answer 1

It's quite a "shocking" experience.

Answer 2

When two insulators rub aganst each other- traditionally, this has been a glass rod and a wollen cloth- some of the electrons are stripped off and are held on the cloth (-charge) and the glass rod is then positive charged (+).
Since a positive charge is a LACK of electrons in the outer valence shell, small light objects such as hair, bits of paper, dust, etc are attracted to the rod to neutralize the charge. Van De Graff Generators work the same way- large rubber band, large ball on top, electric motor to spind the rubber band- and produce millions and millions of volts. But very little current- oh, it can kill a person- theres 2 good examples I know of. Lightning storms are static electricity, and the worlds largest Van De Graff Generator at MIT in Boston. I've seen the MIT generator- its HUGE- 60 feet off the floor, 30 foot balls, and will throw a ball of lightning about 8 feet.

Good Luck

Answer 3

I can tell you that if you are in a dry climate and have static issues, i.e. sparks & shocks when you touch metal objects or other people, you can reduce this effect in your environment by mixing 3 parts water to 1 part liquid fabric softener, in a spray bottle, and misting your carpet and furniture. You can also prevent your TV & monitor screens from becoming a static dust magnet, by wiping them with a dryer sheet.

I don't know exactly what you wanted to know about static electricity, but if the presence of it in your environment is creating problems, you can try the above to reduce its presence.

Answer 4

Static electricity is caused by friction between two dissimilar materials. The energy released when the two materials rub against each other builds up the opposite charges. You can also build up a potential charge that will shunt to ground when you touch something like a doorknob.

Answer 5

The study of charges in motion is called Current Electricity and the study of charges at rest is called Static Electricity.

For more info about Static Electricity, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Static_electricity

Hope you will see the above site.

Answer 6

I know that static electricity helps in pollination, the charge on a bees body helps to hold the pollen in place.

Answer 7

It's only the electrons that get stripped off because they are light.

Answer 8

It is cuased by molecules that can release their electrons when two objects are rubbed together.

Answer 9

Shockingly little.

Answer 10

Plays hell with my hair!