10 points for best and easy to understand answer.
2007-07-26 02:49:36 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
I'm sorry I mean how does it work on a atomic level... Not how to cause it...
2007-07-26 03:53:48 · update #1
Static electricity is the situation where electrical charges build up on the surface of a material. It is called “static” because there is no current flowing as in AC or DC electricity. Static electricity is usually caused when materials are rubbed together. The result is that objects may be attracted to each other or may even cause a spark to jump from one object to the other. Common examples of static electricity in action are static cling, flyaway hair and the sparks that can occur when you touch something.
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2007-07-31 03:50:49 · answer #1 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some materials give up electrons freely when rubbed against other materials. This is known as the triboelectric effect. When a material looses its electrons, it becomes positively charged. The material accepting the electrons becomes negatively charged. When there is a charge difference between two materials, there is a potential (voltage) difference. When the two materials get close enough together the electric field (voltage/distance) can be strong enough for the air to become conductive and an electrical arc occurs. Examples include rubbing your feet on a rug and then placing it near a neutral object.
2007-08-02 14:44:10 · answer #2 · answered by trader 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In current electricity the charges are moving. In static electricity the charges will be at rest. Atoms consists of electrons (revolving round the nucleus), and static protons and neutrons in the nucleus. Thes electrons can be separated by rubbing (frictional electricity), by pressure(piezo electric efect), by heating(thermionic emission) etc.
As long as thes electrons(-ve) and protons(+ve) are separated by a distance there will be an electric field between them. and there will be a tendency to come together to get nutralised. In the lightning, the charges accumulated on the clouds get discharged to the earth. While ironing the polyester clothes frictional static electricity is created and a crackling sound is heard when they get discharged. Even while combing hair one may experience the effcts of static electricity.
2007-07-31 14:24:17 · answer #3 · answered by Joymash 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Static electricity doesn't work (in the physics sense of the word)...
It just hangs around waiting for an opportunity to neutralize itself.
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2007-07-26 03:31:19 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Brushing something can remove electrons and cause a positive charge on the object. The negative charged objects would attract to the positive object, and other positive objects would repel the positive object. Opposite charges attract, and like charges repel.
2007-07-31 15:43:30 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Friction rubs off electrons and they accumulate till they jump . The humidity over 50% reduces it.
2007-07-26 02:55:23 · answer #6 · answered by JOHNNIE B 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it work's like when you rub your feet with the socks on and you rub your feet for 10 min and than go to your sibling and touch his cheek.He will shock his guts up and start crying.
2007-07-26 03:11:01 · answer #7 · answered by aks m 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋