Why would a person get shock after walking across a carpet??
2006-10-27 16:53:16 · 2 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
friction with the shoe and carpet causes a buildup of static charges on the entire body. the person is now charged with static electricity and will feel a shock when he touches a neutral object such as a metal pole or someone else's skin.
the electricity transferred in a shock is small but quite painful if youre not prepared. in some cases you may even hear the spark.
you can also get a shock by touching someone who has more static electricity on them than you.
however, static buildup is largely mitigated in humid conditions as water vapour in the air can discharge static electricity. you usually get shocks in locations that are cool and dry, such as in an office or shopping mall.
2006-10-27 16:55:49 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
given the right materials on a dry day the rubbing together releases electricity as the charge or potential difference accumulates on the person it is released as they come into contact with a ground or negative potential.... cause is usually a rug of wool or nylon and rubber soled shoes this is how the first electricity was discovered 600 BC by the Greeks who
rubbed two similar materials that induced the release of electrons thus electricity was first discovered also when the spark is released it is concentrated into a small focus and felt as the shock
thus electricity ... the actual valence chemistry is a little beyond me,Sorry peace out enjoy the life
2006-10-28 00:08:21 · answer #2 · answered by dogpatch USA 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋