Static electricity
Static electricity can be a nuisance or even a danger. The energy that makes your hair to stand on end can also damage electronics and cause explosions. However, properly controlled and manipulated, it can also be a tremendous boon to modern life.
“Electric charge is a fundamental property of matter,” according to Michael Richmond, a physics professor at the Rochester Institute of Technology. Nearly all electric charge in the universe is carried by protons and electrons. Protons are said to have a charge of +1 electron unit, while electrons have a charge of −1, although these signs are completely arbitrary. Because protons are generally confined to atomic nuclei, which are in turn imbedded inside atoms, they are not nearly as free to move as are electrons. Therefore, when we talk about electric current, we nearly always mean the flow of electrons, and when we talk about static electricity, we generally mean an imbalance between negative and positive charges in objects.
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Static electricity
Static Electricity
Static electricity refers to the build-up of electric charge on the surface of an object. It is called "static" because the charge remains in one place rather than flowing like current electricity. This phenomenon occurs when there is an imbalance of positive and negative charges on an object, resulting in the accumulation of excess electrons or protons.
Causes of Static Electricity
Static electricity can be caused by various factors, including:
1. Friction: When two objects rub against each other, electrons can be transferred from one object to another. The object that gains electrons becomes negatively charged, while the one that loses electrons becomes positively charged.
2. Contact: When a charged object comes into contact with a neutral object, it can transfer some of its charge to the neutral object, resulting in both objects becoming charged.
3. Induction: When a charged object is brought near a neutral object, it can induce a separation of charges in the neutral object. This means that the charges in the neutral object redistribute, causing one side to become positively charged and the other side to become negatively charged.
Effects of Static Electricity
Static electricity can have various effects, including:
1. Sparking: When the build-up of static charge becomes too great, it can cause a spark to jump between two objects. This spark is a visible discharge of electricity and can sometimes be accompanied by a crackling sound.
2. Electric Shock: Touching a charged object can result in a sudden discharge of static electricity, causing a mild electric shock. This can be felt as a tingling sensation or a small jolt.
3. Attraction and Repulsion: Charged objects can attract or repel each other due to the electrostatic forces between them. Opposites charges attract (positive and negative), while like charges repel (positive and positive or negative and negative).
4. Dust and Hair Movement: Static electricity can cause dust particles and hair strands to be attracted to charged objects, leading to their movement or sticking to surfaces.
Prevention and Control
To prevent and control static electricity, various measures can be taken:
1. Grounding: Connecting objects to the ground or a conductive material can help dissipate excess charges, reducing the build-up of static electricity.
2. Humidity Control: Increasing humidity levels can help reduce static electricity as moisture in the air allows charges to dissipate more easily.
3. Antistatic Materials: Using antistatic materials or treatments can help reduce the accumulation of static charges on surfaces.
4. Avoiding Friction: Minimizing friction between objects can help reduce the generation of static electricity. This can be achieved by using lubricants or conducting activities in a controlled environment.
In conclusion, static electricity is the accumulation of electric charge on the surface of an object due to various factors such as friction, contact, and induction. It can have effects such as sparking, electric shock, and attraction/repulsion. Preventive measures like grounding, humidity control, and the use of antistatic materials can help control static electricity.
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