Static electricity

Static electricity is a set of phenomena in which a free electric charge arises, remains and weakens . It can occur on isolated conductors, on the surface or in the bulk of dielectrics.

Friction, which occurs when two substances of different kinds come into contact, leads to the electrization of dielectrics. This is due to various molecular and atomic forces. We can say that static electricity is obtained by disturbing their equilibrium due to the acquisition or loss of an electron.

Explain this process is very simple. The state of equilibrium of an atom is achieved when there is the same number of protons and electrons. Moving from one atom to another, electrons form positive and negative ions. With their imbalance, static electricity arises.

Protons and electrons have the same electrical charge, but with different polarity. It is measured in coulombs and determines the amount of electricity that passes in 1 second. In the cross section of the conductor. The static charge is directly proportional to the number of unstable ions, that is, the deficit or excess of electrons.

Static electricity can be generated. This is due to the absence of one electron from the positive ion, so that it can receive a free electron from the negative particle. In turn, a negative ion can be an atom or a molecule that has a large number of electrons. In these cases, there is one electron that can neutralize the positive charge.

The main causes that lead to the emergence of static electricity are:

• The distance or contact of two materials;
• Rapid temperature changes;
• UV radiation, radiation, strong electric fields, X-ray X-rays ;
• Operations performed by slicing (cut-off machines or paper-cutting machines);
• Ie, the appearance of an electric field caused by a static charge.

A phenomenon called static electricity is found everywhere in everyday life. Electrostatic discharge occurs at very high voltage levels, but at low currents. In this case, there is no danger to humans.

Despite this, protection against static electricity is necessary, since it can be dangerous for many elements of electrical appliances. It often suffers from transistors, microprocessors, circuits, etc. Working with radio electronic components, it is necessary to take measures and prevent the accumulation of static charge.

A direct danger exists when lightning occurs during the formation of thunderclouds. Clouds due to the movement of air currents, which are saturated with water vapor, can form electrical discharges. Also, such discharges often occur between charged clouds and earth. In this case, you need protection from static electricity in the form of lightning arresters. They are able to hold a discharge straight to the ground. In addition to lightning, a thundercloud creates dangerous electrical potentials on isolated metal objects due to the process of electrostatic induction.

Light current strikes, obtained as a result of various manifestations of static electricity, are harmless at first sight, but this is far from the case. This phenomenon can conceal a great danger, since the spark that arises can cause a fire. Static electricity and protection from it - these are two concepts that should be known to everyone, because due to ignorance, there are sometimes serious troubles.

In everyday life and at work, it is necessary to prevent the occurrence of such a variety of electricity. To do this, you should regularly wet cleaning. Flammable liquids are another serious threat. They must be used in well-ventilated places, which allows you to partially prevent static electricity (and protection against it in this case you are almost guaranteed). Use in the process of working with such liquids natural clothes, grounding of rotating mechanisms and only metal containers for storing liquids that can quickly ignite.