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static
Definition
Static means not moving. It can also mean not changing. For example, a static object is an object that is not moving. A static amount is an amount that is not changing.
Static electricity is a type of electricity that is not moving. It is caused by the buildup of charges on objects. The charges can be positive or negative.
When two objects with different charges touch, they can create a spark or shock. The spark is caused by the sudden release of the static electricity. The shock is caused by the flow of the static electricity through the body.
Static electricity can be used to do things like make balloons stick to walls or create a spark to start a fire. It can also be used to create a Van de Graaff generator, which is a device that can produce high voltages of electricity.
How can the word be used?
The ball was in a state of static equilibrium.
Different forms of the word
Noun: static (plural: statics).
Adjective: static.
Verb: to static.
Etymology
The word "static" comes from the Greek word "statikos", which means "standing still". It was first used in English in the 17th century to refer to a state of rest or equilibrium.
The word "static" can be used as a noun, adjective, or verb.
Question
How is static generated?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
Explain the concept of static electricity and how it is generated. Discuss its effects on everyday objects and provide examples of how static charges can be useful or problematic.
Answer:
Static electricity is a phenomenon resulting from the accumulation of electric charges on the surface of an object. It occurs when two objects come into contact and then separate, leaving one object with an excess of electrons (negative charge) and the other with a deficit (positive charge). This charge separation creates an imbalance that can lead to the attraction or repulsion of objects.
In everyday life, static electricity can have both beneficial and troublesome effects. For instance, it's responsible for the shock we sometimes feel when touching a metal doorknob after walking on a carpet. Static charges can cause clothes to stick together in a dryer due to attraction. On the flip side, static electricity plays a vital role in technological applications like laser printers, where static charges help attract toner to paper, and in air purifiers, where static forces capture dust particles.
However, static electricity can also be problematic. In industrial settings, static charges can accumulate and discharge suddenly, leading to explosions in flammable environments. Electronics can be damaged by static discharges, a concern when handling sensitive components. In the context of fire hazards, static buildup in fueling situations can ignite fumes.
Understanding static electricity is essential for managing its effects and harnessing its benefits while mitigating potential risks across various domains of daily life and technological applications.