Static electricity???

Question

What causes it? Every day, all day.. at work.. (yes there is carpet, but I don't drag my feet when I walk), every single time, no matter what shoes I have on, I get shocked when I touch things like doorknobs, filing cabinets, copy machine.. even other people. There are some times when I can even see the arc when I am putting a key in the keylatch... This is every day.. and it don't seem to happen to anybody else. I remember as a kid, we would drag our feet on the carpet and touch someone just to shock them.. but this is different because I am actually trying hard not to drag my feet.. what is up with that? Any input???

Basically, what causes it? and how do I stop it? What can I do different to stop it.. some of those shocks actually hurt a bit

Answer 1

Static electricity is generated by the motion of objects against each other. It can be the movement of your feet on the carpet, clothing rubbing against other clothing, even liquids when they are being poured. The voltages can be as high as many thousand volts.

If a static-charged body comes into contact with a body of a different charge, current flows. The amount of current and its duration are a function of the differences in charge, size of objects and the resistance of conducting surfaces.

Static charges are not permanent, but can be bled off slowly. Sometimes as fast as they are generated. Charges dissipate more rapidly when the relative humidity is high. You will notice the discharges more in winter, when we heat buildings.

You could try anti static sprays. These make surfaces conductive. Spray shoes, carpet around your desk, and maybe carpets at doorways.

If you are being really bothered, hold a quarter in your hand when you touch a filing cabinet or doorknob. This reduces the current density at any part of your hand, so you don't feel the discharge.

Answer 2

Try common brushing with a sleeker brush. This will distribute the puppies usual frame oils in the course of the coat. Also utilising a few Eucalyptus oil in a sprig bottle consisting of 1 cup of water for each and every 10 drops of oil will aid do away with the static electrical power. It may even hold fleas away and aid them odor well. Do no longer use material softener sheets although. There are only a few available on the market that declare to be risk-free however don't seem to be validated.

Answer 3

static electricity is an excess build up electrons. electrons are in the outer most areas of molecules. they are loosely conected so they transfer easily. this build up occurs when 2 objects rub together like shoes on carpet or clothes in a dryer. This build up gives molecules a negative charge. If electrons are removed from molecules they take on a positive charge. If your clothes have any charge other than nuetral(if they are + or-) and you touch something with the opposite charge like a door knob there will be a transfer of electrons. tis is the shock you feel. Try using dryer sheets to reduce static on your clothes, a little hair spray will do th same for your hair.

Answer 4

Your body is a semiconductor, basically, a little more resistive than conductive. You can collect and store electrons from other sources, and all you're looking for is an easy discharge path.

Part of it is you, part of it is the kind of car seat you sit on or clothes you wear. Some things collect static charges easier than others.

(By the way, if you can "see" the spark, you've discharged something in excess of 8000 volts DC.)