The harmful effects of static electricity and the solution to it.doc

The harmful effects of static electricity and the solution to it Introduction Unlike current electricity that flows, static electricity stays in one place. Atoms are electrically neutral because they have the same numbers of proton and electrons. Sometimes the valence electrons are rubbed off, generating a positive ion. As the two objects rub together, one of them accumulates negative charge. These charges cannot dissipate easily, which generates static electricity eventually. There are many advantages of static electricity as well as disadvantages. It can be dangerous that it can even take people’s lives. Static electricity can cause fires, explosions, nuisance shocks and damage to sensitive electronic equipment. If a person carries a static charge, a spark that is discharged anywhere near gasoline fumes can generate a fireball or explosion. This essay mainly concerns about the danger of static electricity while refueling and the solution to this problem. Application to science Getting a minor electric shock from a door knob or other metal isn’t very bad, but when static electricity occur in the gas station, the outcome can be dangerous. The spark, which is caused by static electricity, may ignite the surrounding fuel vapor and cause fire or even an explosion. It is common for drivers to return to their cars to get their money, speak with their friends or take a reading from the odometer. This, however, can increase the possibility of igniting the fire. The interaction between the clothes and the seat fabric can cause friction. As mentioned above, static electricity is cause by friction. Static electricity is generated by this way. All we can do is to prevent this from happening. For people who go to the gas station, here are few suggestions. Touch something else to discharge the static electricity. A piece of metal can be put in every gas station, which reduces the potential of any built-up static electricity. This process is called grounding, which gets r