Definition of Static electricity

[McQueen]

I have come up with the following definition of static electricity , which I hope is acceptable to all , if not I would be only too glad to hear any opinions. “Static electricity may be defined as the forces of attraction or repulsion felt between an imbalance of charges on isolated conductors separated by a di-electric. “ Note that the operative word here is isolated.

 

[chroot]

But static electricity does not require any conductors or dielectric.

"Static electricity" can really only be defined one way: "charges that are not moving."

- Warren

 

[pallidin]

I would agree with Warren.
The term "static electricity" can be defined through the use of the first word, static, which means "not moving", as Warren simply put.
As a side note, remember how one can shuffle themselves over carpet and "shock" someone else? This is static electricity, but not entirely.
The building up of excess charge within the body involves charge movement, so that stage is by no means static. When the "spark" or "shock" occurs, the charges are obviously moving, so, that is not static electricity either. In this scenario, the only true "static electricity" is involved with the interval between being charged and releasing that charge.

 

[Thallium]

Originally posted by chroot
But static electricity does not require any conductors or dielectric.

"Static electricity" can really only be defined one way: "charges that are not moving."

- Warren

So electric current is charge in motion right?

 

[Integral]

Originally posted by mighty2000
Electric current begins when electrons begin randomly bouncing off of the ion lattice within a conductor. A charge is required to start the current in a direction whether induced or not. Therefore, I would define it more as electrons in motion rather than charges in motion, even though electrons carry a charge of 1.60x10^-19 Coulombs.

M2k

A more general definition of current is charges in motion. What you say is correct for metallic conductors. Solutions can also carry current in which case the current carriers are ions.

A definition of static electricity should not involve the term "conductor" since it is very common for a charge to accumulate on non conducting surfaces. Consider on of the original methods of generating a charge. Rubbing cat fur on amber, both of these materials are non conductors.

 

[Thallium]

Originally posted by mighty2000
Electric current begins when electrons begin randomly bouncing off of the ion lattice within a conductor. A charge is required to start the current in a direction whether induced or not. Therefore, I would define it more as electrons in motion rather than charges in motion, even though electrons carry a charge of 1.60x10^-19 Coulombs.

M2k

Of course. I meant electrons, not charge. Silly me..

 

[Thallium]

Hey MqQueen

I found this weblink. Maybe it will help you.
http://amasci.com/cmotor/voltmeas.htm

 

[Lonewolf]

Of course. I meant electrons, not charge.

You were better off with charge. See Integral's example of ions in a solution.

 

[McQueen]

A definition of static electricity should not involve the term "conductor"

If you notice in my post I took care not to mention the term electrical conductors but had merely used the term “conductor” which in view of the fact that static charges do tend to accumulate on them seems to be acceptable . Secondly the term “isolated” has been used to indicate that an isolated conductor gains a very high voltage potential. If this were applied to electrical conductors it would be totally unacceptable , for instance the Coulomb repulsion between two 120 watt electric bulbs turned on for a second and separated by 1 metre would be in excess of I million tons of force !

 

[chroot]

I'm sorry McQueen, it won't help you to try redefining the term 'conductor.' Your definition is simply not correct.

- Warren