Electricity and science
Static electricity is a phenomenon we can experience on a daily basis without even realizing it. It's that small shock we feel when touching a door handle or the static in our hair when using a plastic comb or rubbing a balloon.
Despite being a common phenomenon, this type of electricity is either not studied in depth or causes confusion. We explain to you what static electricity is and how it affects our daily life. Additionally, we explore whether it can be completely eliminated.
What is static electricity?
The electrostatic phenomenon is the result of an imbalance of electrical charges between two materials. Everything around us is made up of atoms, which have particles called protons (with a positive charge) and electrons (with a negative charge). These charges are usually balanced, which makes objects neutral.
However, when two materials touch and then separate, the balance can be broken because electrons are able to "jump" from one material to another. This causes a build-up of static charge on both objects, and when the charge is released, we feel small shocks. The discharges it causes are low in terms of amperage, so they do not pose a health risk.
Static electricity occurs when two materials transfer electrons, creating an imbalance in their charges.
That said, when we talk about electrostatics, we need to understand that it is not the same type of electricity that we use in our homes. We'll explain the difference between the two to make it clear.
Difference between static electricity and electric current
The electric current is the type of electricity we use in our homes to turn on lights, charge devices, or run appliances. This electricity involves a continuous flow of electrons through a conductor, such as a wire, and is always in motion.
On the other hand, static electricity is an accumulation of charge that doesn't move until it finds a conductive path that allows it to discharge. For example, when a person with static charge touches a metal surface, the electrons move toward that surface, generating a small shock.
Another key difference is that electricity is generated in a controlled manner in power plants and self-consumption systems and distributed through an electrical grid or used at the point of generation (in the case of self-consumption). In contrast, static electricity has a different generation process, and we’ll explain it to you!
How is static electricity generated?
The electrostatic phenomenon occurs in three situations: when two materials come into contact, when they separate (detachment), or when they rub against each other (friction). In each case, an imbalance of electrons between the materials occurs, generating static charge. Let’s analyze them in depth:
- Contact: When two materials come into contact, an electron transfer can happen. An example is when we touch a metal surface after walking on a carpet. The friction with the carpet causes our body to accumulate static charge, and when we touch the metal, the charge discharges, causing the typical "spark".
- Detachment: This occurs when two surfaces that have been in contact separate, causing electrons to move back and forth. A typical example is when bed sheets are separated and small "sparks" appear.
- Static accumulation through friction: This is the most well-known type. It occurs when two objects rub against each other, like a balloon against hair. The friction between the balloon and the hair causes an electron transfer, making the hair stand on end.
Now that you know some everyday examples of where static electricity appears and how it's generated, we'll explain in what other situations it may be present.
Everyday examples: How does the electrostatic phenomenon manifest?
One of the most common and easy-to-understand examples of static electricity is the classic example of combing your hair with a plastic comb. Plastic is an insulating material, which means it doesn't conduct electricity well.
In the act of combing, the brush accumulates electrons due to friction with the hair, generating an electric charge. This charge causes hairs with the same polarity to repel each other, making the hair stand up.
Another example that has probably happened to you is when you take off a wool sweater and feel small sparks. The friction between the sweater and your body generates a build-up of static charge that discharges when you touch any conductive object.
Even when removing clothes from the washing machine, static electricity can occur. If the garments stick together due to the friction from the washing and drying cycle, the fibers accumulate static charge when they touch, causing small sparks when separated.
These cases show us how static electricity can manifest harmlessly. However, it can also cause inconveniences and risks in more specific contexts.
Disadvantages and possible risks of static electricity
Although static energy is safe in most situations, it can become bothersome or even dangerous in certain situations.
In industrial environments, the build-up of static charge can lead to fires if discharged in an environment with flammable gases, as noted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. In these cases, specialized devices are used to control and neutralize it.
Seeing that static electricity can indeed pose some risks, another question comes to mind... Can we avoid feeling its effects? Or in other words, can we eliminate it?
Can static electricity be eliminated?
Static charge can be reduced, but we’ll give you a heads-up that it’s impossible to eliminate, as it’s a natural phenomenon. However, there are methods that can help reduce its accumulation or, at the very least, mitigate its effects.
Methods to reduce static electricity
- Humidify the environment: Static electricity accumulates more easily in dry environments. If you live in a dry climate, using a humidifier can reduce its excess in the air and on clothing.
- Use conductive materials: One way to eliminate it is by providing a path to release the static charges. At home, you can do this by touching metal surfaces before handling sensitive objects. In industry, grounding systems are used to divert it in machines, pipes, or liquids.
- Anti-static clothing and footwear: Synthetic fabrics tend to generate more charge, so replacing them with materials like cotton can help reduce accumulation.
- Anti-static products: There are sprays and products designed to neutralize static electricity on objects like clothing or carpets. These products work by creating a thin layer of conductive material on surfaces, helping to dissipate the accumulated charge.
Feeling a spark when touching a metal surface is common, but static electricity is not limited to these small discharges. Although it can’t be eliminated, applying preventive measures reduces its risks, improving safety in sectors like the chemical and electronics industries.
