Static electricity is a natural phenomenon that occurs when there is an electron imbalance on the surface of an object, creating a positive or negative charge. This charge is normally discharged when the object comes into contact with earth or a conductor, creating a spark. While usually harmless, static electricity can damage sensitive electronic components and ignite fuel vapors. Lightning is a powerful and potentially deadly form of static discharge that occurs during thunderstorms.
Static electricity is the electric charge that builds up on the surfaces of objects, including people, under certain conditions. Static electricity is a common and natural phenomenon and, in most cases, the charge is so small that it cannot harm people or animals. It can be dangerous for sensitive electronic components and, in rare cases, for people as well. Lightning is a form of static electricity discharge.
Electricity is the effect of electrons moving from one area or object to another at the subatomic level. Static electricity builds up on a surface when it has an electron imbalance, creating a positive or negative electrical charge. This is normally discharged when the object or person comes into contact with earth or a conductive substance such as metal, restoring the electronic balance. The earth or similar “ground” will discharge the charge with no noticeable effect, but the conductor will create a transfer of electrical energy called a spark.
This process is best illustrated by an example: A person wearing leather shoes, a substance with a positive charge, walks along a rayon carpet, which has a negative charge. Opposite charges attract, so the electrons will transfer to the shoes, giving them a static electric charge; this transfer is known as the triboelectric effect. The carpet, being grounded, is unaffected, but if the person then touches a metal handle, the charge will immediately transfer to the metal. The result is usually harmless, causing only minor discomfort to the person and possibly a brief visible spark.
Under some conditions, however, even a brief spark can cause a lot of problems. Computer components such as semiconductors can be damaged by static electricity. In the presence of volatile gases or other substances, static discharge may cause fire or explosion. Many petrol stations do not recommend using a mobile phone when refueling due to possible electrostatic discharge. This seems to be an urban legend, but static electricity can actually ignite fuel vapors; drivers must touch the metal of their vehicle away from the fuel cap to discharge static electricity before refueling.
Lightning is a spectacular and potentially deadly form of static discharge. The conditions of a thunderstorm give a cloud a powerful negative charge. When the positive charge of the earth or nearby clouds is strong enough, the charges equalize in a flash. The resulting lightning is millions of times more powerful than a household spark and is accompanied by tremendous heat and sound. When lightning is attracted to the earth, any potential conductor on the surface, including buildings, trees and people, can be severely damaged in the blink of an eye.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
