P2.2 Uses and Dangers

P2.2 Uses and Dangers

1. Shocks and earthing

   • You can build up a charge of static electricity by moving around
     • If you then touch a door you may feel a shock
   • This happens as the electrons move to cancel out the charge on you
     • This is called earthing
   • Lightning happens when static electricity builds up in the clouds to a point where it can travel through the air to the earth
     • The energy is transferred into light and sound on the way down

2. Using Static Electricity

   • Static electricity is used in paint sprayers and insecticide sprayers
     • The charge repels the droplets away from each other

3. Dangers of static electricity

   • It can build up on aeroplanes which can be hazardous when refuelling as a spark from the charge might cause an explosion
   • A conducting line is used to earth any charge that may be on the plane.