New Study Reveals Why Static Electricity Happens
New Study Reveals Why Static Electricity Happens
A mystery dating back to Ancient Greece—the simple static shock—has finally been solved by looking at the nanoscale behavior of materials.
locationancient greece
For over 2,600 years, static electricity has been an elusive scientific phenomenon.
conceptstatic electricity
However, researchers at Northwestern University have finally cracked the code, publishing their findings in Nano Letters.
orgnorthwestern university
othernano letters
This difference in force, known as elastic shear, is what creates the current we feel as a zap.
conceptelastic shear
Understanding this triboelectric effect is more than just avoiding annoying shocks.
concepttriboelectric effect
It has major implications for industrial safety, helping to prevent dangerous sparks in flammable environments, and improves technology like laser printers.
techlaser printer
