Common static vs common electricity?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the differences and similarities between static electricity, such as the shock experienced when exiting a car or during lightning, and household electricity, which can be either AC or DC. The scope includes conceptual clarifications and technical explanations related to the nature of these electrical phenomena.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the difference between static electricity and household electricity, seeking clarification on their nature.
  • Another participant asserts that static electricity is simply a built-up charge on an insulated object due to electron accumulation.
  • A claim is made that static discharge can be viewed as a DC pulse.
  • A participant suggests that static electricity is a natural phenomenon, while household electricity is man-made, and questions whether static discharge generates a magnetic field like household electricity.
  • It is noted that if current flows, there is a magnetic field associated with it.
  • A participant reflects on the sensation experienced during a lightning strike, questioning whether it is related to a magnetic field or static electricity.
  • Another participant provides a perspective that both static electricity and household current obey the same physical laws, highlighting differences in their sources and behaviors.
  • It is mentioned that the charged feeling experienced is due to static electricity, which can lead to flowing electricity if the potential difference is sufficient.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature and implications of static electricity versus household electricity, with no consensus reached on the relationship between them or the presence of magnetic fields.

Contextual Notes

Some claims depend on definitions of static and household electricity, and the discussion includes unresolved questions about the nature of magnetic fields in relation to static discharge.

scott_sieger
Hi all,

I was wondering if anyone can tell the forum what the difference is between common static electricity like the zap you get when you get out of a car or lightning and household electricity AC or DC.?

any one?
 
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Nothing...they are the same thing. Static electricity is just a built up charge on the surface of an insulated object from the accumulation of electrons.
 
just a thought,

Static in the main is a product of nature.

Household Electricity is a product of man.

Does static discharge create or have magnetic field around it like household electricity? Has this been proven?... Excuse my ignorance.
 
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If the current flows, there is a magnetic field.
 
I have been thinking since posting the question.

When a lightning bolt strikes say only 500meters away that charged up feeling we experience.. like hair on it's end etc...that's not a magnetic field is it?

Feels more like a static output of some sort. What would create that reaction do you think?

magnetic fields i suppose create that effect too...or do they?
 
Scott,

Seeing your interests, it certainly would help to consult some introductionary works on physics. This is a very nice one:

http://muller.lbl.gov/teaching/Physics10/PffP.html

Your view on the difference between static electricity and house hold current is very original But they both obey to the same laws. The big diffence between Static electric and house hold currents is the the supply. An object under Static electricity has accumulated a lot of electrical load, either too much or too few electrons actually. The moment it gets close to a conductor with another charge, a brief current will flow to even out the charges. The house hold electricity does exactly the same but the difference in charge will be repleshed by the electricity power plant so that there is no even out at the current continuous to flow.
 
That charged up feeling is due to static electricity. As your body becomes charged, your hairs repel each other. If the potential difference between you and the cloud is enough to overcome the electrical resistance of the air, the static electricity becomes flowing electricity.
 

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