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Good and bad -

Static electricity can be dangerous. But it also has its uses.

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What’s the difference between static and current electricity? -

Current electricity flows through wires and other conductors and transmits energy. In static electricity, an electric charge builds up and then can move rapidly from one location to another in a static discharge.

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What is static electricity? -

Static electricity is a familiar electric phenomenon that occurs as a result of an imbalance between negatively charged electrons and positively charged protons in an object.

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Buildup of charges -

When positive and negative electrical  charges aren't stabilized, they can build up on the surface of an object until they find a way to be released or discharged.

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Why is it called "static" electricity? -

Static electricity is so called because charges remain very nearly fixed in one location on the surface of the object until they are given a path to escape as a static electrical discharge.

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Lightning -

The most extreme natural example of a static electrical discharge is a lightning strike. This happens when there is an imbalance of charges between a region of the cloud and another surface. This can be the ground, a building, or another cloud.

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What else generates static electricity? -

When two objects or materials are rubbed together to create static electricity, one object gives up electrons and becomes positively charged while the other material collects electrons and becomes negatively charged. The objects therefore acquire equal and opposite charges, and especially so if the objects are insulators and the surrounding air is dry.

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Electrical insulators -

A material that does not let heat and electricity travel through it easily is known as an insulator. Some common insulator materials are glass, plastic, rubber, air, and wood. Pictured is an electrician wearing antistatic gloves to protect an electrical component from damage.

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Static buildup -

Normally the electrons and protons in a atom balance up, which is why most matter you come across is electrically neutral. However, rubbing or friction can give loosely banded electrons enough energy to leave their atoms and attach to others, migrating between different surfaces. A good example of this phenomenon can be achieved by rubbing an inflated balloon across your hair or your clothes.

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Restoring charge imbalance -

These mobile electrons can't wait to attach themselves to another object, ostensibly to restore the neutral charge equilibrium. For instance, have you ever walked across the room to pet your dog, but got a shock instead? That's because when you rubbed your shoe across the carpet, your body collected some of those wayward electrons. These were released when you patted down your pooch.

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Foam and fur -

Cats love to play with loose-fitting styrofoam peanuts. But don't be surprised if you receive a shock from you favorite feline afterwards. Foam plus fur equals static electricity.

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Electric car! -

Similarly, touching the door when getting out of a car on a warm, dry day can give you a static electric shock.

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Friction fun -

The friction between this boy's clothing and the slide's plastic surface has transferred surplus electrons to the young lad's hair, with hilarious "hair raising" results.

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Static fun -

For many children, observing how static electricity behaves is one of the highlights of their early life science education. Pictured is a youngster touching a plasma ball with her hands and watching in awe at the electrostatic discharge.

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Dangers -

But static electricity can also be a nuisance—and a very real danger. So, how is the threat of static electricity counteracted?

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Lightning rod -

A lightning rod or lightning conductor is an external metallic rod usually made of copper that protects a structure from direct lightning strikes. It does this by attracting lightning strikes to a controlled point of impact and guiding  their currents into the ground.

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Antistatic precautions -

Measures against static electricity in working environments where semiconductor devices are handled are strict. Means of generating static electricity include walking over a vinyl floor, picking up a plastic bag, and sitting on a chair padded with polyurethane foam. Pictured is a antistatic wrist strap, which is attached to a grounding wire.

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Opening a window -

Eliminating or preventing a buildup of static electricity can be achieved in a number of ways, the simplest being to open a window to increase the moisture content in the air.

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Use a humidifier -

Alternatively, using a humidifier also increases moisture content. In fact,  humidification is a very effective way to eliminate the buildup of static electricity in manufacturing environments.

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Antistatic safety boots -

Employees working in an industrial environment are often required to wear safety boots with antistatic protection to prevent a buildup of static charge due to contact with the floor.

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Antistatic agents -

Antistatic agents are routinely added to fabric softeners for use in washing machines to prevent and remove annoying static cling.

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Major hazards -

Static electricity is a major hazard when refueling an aircraft. Fuel movement during refueling or defueling may lead to a static charge building up in the fuel, the primary risk being unintended ignition of fuel vapor. Hoses are earthed to stop this occurring.

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Screen dust -

Static is a nuisance when dust and dirt are attracted to insulators such as TV screens and computer monitors. Cleaning regularly with an antistatic cloth does the trick.

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Positive uses -

Static electricity has several useful applications, one being in printers and photocopiers, where static electric charges attract the ink, or toner, to the paper.

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Electrostatic sprayers -

Electrostatic sprayers work by charging liquids (e.g. cleaners, sanitizers, and disinfectants) as they pass through a sprayer nozzle. A negative charge is applied to the liquid as it is in the reservoir. A charge is then applied in the barrel of the spray paint gun. Then as the liquid is propelled through the gun, it rubs against the side of the nozzle and gains a negative electric charge.

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High voltage -

Did you know that just one spark of static electricity can measure thousands of volts? But here's the thing: it has very little current and is over in a flash. This means it has almost negligible power or energy.

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What are the odds? -

According to National Weather Service storm data, only about 10% of people who are struck by lightning are killed, leaving 90% with various degrees of disability.

Sources: (Library of Congress) (Victoria State Government) (SKYbrary)(National Weather Service)

See also: Striking photos of lightning that will bring a sparkle to your day

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