h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Traveller in Time rubbing balloons
"



This is not static, the spark is a dynamic process. Charging the balloon is also a dynamic process.

I bet this has been nicked before "

Static electricity is electric charge (electrons) that have built up on something, or a positive charge due to lack of electrons. It is only static (not moving) while it is on the object. If you touch the object and get a shock, that is current electricity flowing through you.

It is static when it is sitting (relatively) indefinitely on a charged-up body waiting to be discharged.

Traveller in Time discharging the static opinions from < F48874?thread=822369 >
"Creating a wider base for the charge to build up prevents spikes flashing over. "

Can anyone explain why some sources state that'Static electricity is not caused by rubbing', when it is common experience that one needs to rub balloons to stick them onto the wall, and the static qualities of amber were observed by rubbing?

For example, this source states that 'it is a popular misconception that static electricity is created by rubbing, then goes on to contradict this very statement.

Oops, forgot to give the link:

http://www.school-for-champions.com/science/staticexpl.htm

It seems to be some subtlety in language between 'created' and 'caused'

Traveller in Time mind experiment approaching (then you see some away)
"What does touching mean on subatomic scale ?

Do you have to touch another balloon with a charged to get it static? or is close proximity enough?
As with the car, most dust particles will not rub against the car, they merely are forced to go close by it.

I the dust dendrites growing alongside my monitor "

I'm not sure I understand the balloon question.

As for cars, the charge isn't caused by the rubbing of dust particles. The friction with the air is enough.