What is static electricity?
Q: What is static electricity?
A: Static electricity is the buildup of electric charge on the surface of objects.
Q: What happens to the electric charge on an object?
A: The electric charge on an object either flows into the ground or loses its charge quickly by a discharge.
Q: When does charge exchange occur?
A: Charge exchange can happen when different objects are rubbed and separated.
Q: Will a static charge remain if both surfaces have low resistance to electrical flow?
A: No, a static charge will only remain when one of the surfaces has a high resistance to electrical flow.
Q: What are the effects of static electricity?
A: The effects of static electricity can be seen, felt, and heard. The excess charge is neutralized and causes a spark. A static 'shock' can also occur.
Q: How does excess charge neutralize?
A: Excess charge neutralizes when it flows into an electrical conductor, such as a path to ground.
Q: What causes the familiar phenomenon of a static 'shock'?
A: The familiar phenomenon of a static 'shock' is caused by the neutralization of charge.
