The first records of static electricity date back to 600 B.C. But even after 2,600 years of micro-bombardments, researchers have not been able to fully explain how rubbing two objects together creates static electricity. But now, a team of researchers from Northwestern University say they have finally solved the mystery. As described in a study published in the journal Nature on September 17, Nano CharactersThe answer is surprisingly simple: it’s all about small imperfections.
“People have tried, but have not been able to explain experimental results without making assumptions that are unjustifiable or cannot be justified,” says Lawrence Marks, professor emeritus of materials science and engineering. Said on September 18“Now, just by creating a different deformation, or charge, in front of and behind the part where something is sliding, a current is created.”
Marks and his colleagues first began investigating the properties of static electricity in 2019, when they discovered that rubbing two materials against each other creates a tiny change in the surface of each object. This movement generates a voltage. From there, the team created a new model based on the concept of “elastic shear,” which occurs whenever an object resists the force of sliding, creating friction in the process. When friction builds up on either side of a nano-sized deformation, the difference in charge creates an electric current, which then produces a shock.
“We developed a new model to calculate the current, and the current values in different cases matched the experimental results very well,” Marks said.
Marks points out that while most people associate static electricity with shiver-inducing elementary science experiments or touching a doorknob after rubbing pet hair over it, in reality, electrical charges have a profound effect on the world “in ways both simple and profound.” An everyday example is when electrically charged beans in a coffee grinder change the flavor of the beans. But static shock can also cause much more serious problems, such as complications with the administration of powdered medicines and factory fires. Most experts agree that static electricity is: Hindenburg This tragedy was most likely caused by a static electricity-induced fire. With a better understanding of the mechanisms involved, industry professionals can improve the efficiency of their products and make working environments safer.
[Related: Butterflies and moths suck up pollen with static electricity.]
“Earth probably wouldn’t be a planet without a critical stage of planet-forming particle aggregation. This aggregation is caused by static electricity generated by particle collisions,” Marks explained. “It’s amazing how much of our lives are affected by static electricity, and how much of the universe depends on it.” And now, after thousands of years, we have a precise explanation for that crucial phenomenon.
