why do we get shocks when we touch some metal things?

Question

please explain...

Answer 1

It's all about our 'potential'. We are accumulating charges as we walk over floor, over carpet, etc. We are affected (just like everything else) by weather, so the air might be more 'charged'. Given that we are accumulating and 'holding' a charge (either positive or negative), when we touch something, it too has a charge. If there's an adequate difference in the two charges, physics says that the two inbalances will balance themselves. *shocking, isn't it*

Answer 2

2 possible reasons. Could be static electricity built up in the body, perhaps by shuffling across a nylon carpet. In this case the electric exits us quickly and shocks on the way out as it earths through the metal.

Or perhaps the metal itself is electrified, maybe by a short circuit, in which case the electricity from the lettle earths through us and shocks us on the way in.

Answer 3

By touching anything which is electrically charged, you are making a connection between the object and the earth. The reason birds can rest on cables is because the birds are not in contact with the ground.

Answer 4

The basic reason is static electricity.
your hand is charged with +ve or -ve particles. when you touch another matarial that may be charged by the particles of opposite charges or it is neutral, then charges flow from higher to lower potential, thus giving you a mild shock.

try this:
put some small bits of paper on the table, rub a comb over your hair and bring the comb close to the paper.

Answer 5

Try this site. Your answer is Static Electricity.
http://www.loc.gov/rr/scitech/mysteries/static.html

Answer 6

electricity!