Test: Static Electricity - UPSC MCQ

Static electricity refers to the imbalance of electric charges on an object, typically resulting from the transfer of electrons. It is called "static" because the charges remain stationary rather than flowing as an electric current.

Lightning is a natural phenomenon that involves the discharge of static electricity in the atmosphere. It occurs when there is a buildup of electrical charges in the clouds and the ground, leading to a rapid release of energy in the form of a lightning bolt.

Static electricity is caused by the accumulation of electric charges on an object. This can occur through various processes such as friction, induction, or contact with charged objects.

Objects with opposite charges, such as a positively charged object and a negatively charged object, attract each other. This attraction is due to the electrostatic force between the charges.

Like charges, such as two positive charges or two negative charges, repel each other. Opposite charges, on the other hand, attract each other. This is a fundamental principle of electrostatics known as the Law of Electric Charges.

An insulator is a material that has high electrical resistance and does not allow electric current to flow through it easily. Examples of insulators include rubber, glass, and plastic.

Copper is an excellent conductor of electricity. It has low electrical resistance, allowing electric current to flow through it with ease. Copper is commonly used in electrical wiring and other applications where efficient conduction is required.

The SI unit of electric charge is the coulomb (C). One coulomb is defined as the amount of electric charge transported by a current of one ampere in one second.

Wood is an example of an insulator. It does not conduct electricity well and is commonly used in applications where electrical insulation is required.

Charging by conduction is the process of transferring electric charge between objects by bringing them into direct contact. The charge is redistributed between the objects to equalize the electric potential.

A grounding wire is used to provide a safe path for electric current to flow into the ground. It helps protect against electric shocks by diverting excess current away from the object or person.

When an object is grounded, any excess electric charge it carries is neutralized or dissipated. The grounding provides a pathway for the charge to flow into the ground, effectively removing the charge from the object.

The aurora borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, is an example of static electricity in nature. It occurs when charged particles from the Sun's solar wind interact with the Earth's magnetic field, causing the emission of light.

Touching grounded objects frequently helps discharge any built-up static electricity on your body, reducing the risk of electrostatic discharge (ESD) and potential shocks.

Higher humidity levels can help reduce static electricity. This is because water molecules in the air can conduct electricity, allowing charges to dissipate more easily and preventing the buildup of static charges.

An antistatic wrist strap is worn by individuals working with sensitive electronic components to prevent the buildup and discharge of static electricity. It helps to protect against electric shocks that could damage the electronic devices.

Static cling is the phenomenon where static electricity causes objects, particularly lightweight and flexible materials like clothing or plastic wrap, to stick together or adhere to surfaces.

Lightning is an example of static electricity because it involves the discharge of built-up static charges in the atmosphere. It occurs due to the separation and buildup of positive and negative charges in clouds and the ground.

An insulator's role in preventing electric shocks is to inhibit or block the flow of electric current. By providing high resistance to the flow of electrons, insulators help prevent electric current from passing through and coming into contact with the body.

Power outages are not directly associated with static electricity. However, electric shocks, fires and explosions, and damage to electronic devices can be potential dangers resulting from static electricity if not properly controlled or managed.