Static Electricity Essay

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Basics of Static Electricity Static electricity is the buildup of electrical charges on the surface of some object or material. Static electricity is usually created when materials are pulled apart or rubbed together, causing positive charges to collect on one material and negative charges on the other surface. Results from static electricity may be sparks, shocks or materials clinging together. Typically, two materials are involved in static electricity, with one having an excess of electrons or negative charges on its surface and the other material having an excess of positive electrical charges. Atoms near the surface of a material that have lost one or more electrons will have a positive electrical charge. Cause of Static Electricity Static electricity is usually caused when certain materials are rubbed against each other, it's also caused when materials are pressed against each other and pulled apart. This process causes electrons to be pulled from the surface of one material and relocated on the surface of the other material. The material that loses electrons ends up with an excess of positive charges causing it to be positively charged, and the material that gains electrons ends up with an excess of negative charges on its surface causing it to be negatively charged. Examples of static electricity: Effects of Static Electricity Attraction - When rubbing a balloon on your hair, the balloon collects negative electrical charges on its surface and the hair collects positive charges. You can then stick the balloon to the wall, which does not have an excess of either charge. The balloon will also stick to the wall. Repulsion - Comb your hair on a dry day or after using a hair drier. The plastic comb collects negative charges from the hair, causing the hair to have an excess of positive charges.

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