In news– Recently, many Bengalureans have reported static shocks – while brushing hair, opening car doors, using a gas lighter or a metal tap or while simply rolling a plastic mat.
What is static shock?
- Static electricity discharge occurs when two materials with different electrical permittivity, such as the skin and a piece of clothing or a blanket, come into contact and an exchange of electrons (charges) takes place.
- It is the build-up of charge caused by the body collecting electrons from the objects and surfaces around.
- The charge continues to accumulate until it gets the opportunity to flow into another object with a weaker or opposite charge.
- It is a result of an imbalance between positive and negative charges.
- In tropical regions, due to high moisture levels, static discharges are not common. The moisture on the surface conducts the charges. Only during dry seasons this is experienced.
How to avoid such static shocks?
One needs to avoid synthetic fabric and wear cotton clothes. Synthetic fabric like nylon and polyester increases static. Also, one should discharge oneself with a key or pin before touching any metallic objec
Source: Times of India
