Static charge accumulates more readily in dry air due to the conductivity of water molecules. In humid conditions, water molecules, which are decent conductors of electricity, coat surfaces and facilitate charge dissipation, preventing static buildup. The discussion highlights that while water vapor is pure and lacks dissolved ions, it still does not effectively conduct electricity, allowing for static charge accumulation in dry air. The presence of water dipoles can capture loose electrons, further inhibiting static charge buildup.
PREREQUISITESPhysicists, electrical engineers, environmental scientists, and anyone interested in the effects of humidity on static electricity and charge dynamics.
Doc Al said:The primary reason is that ordinary impure water is decent conductor of electricity. So the charge keeps leaking off and doesn't build up as well as on a dry day.
You make a good point, Armo. On further thought, a better answer is that the water that condenses on the surfaces of the insulators makes those surfaces more conductive. Thus it's harder to build up or transfer a charge.ArmoSkater87 said:But water vapor in the atmosphere isn't "impure" like liquid water is from the ions disolved in it. The water vapor is pure water since you can't evaporate ions that were once in the liquid water.
That doesn't make sense. You want the air to be a bad conductor to build up a static charge.So, if what I say is true, then the reason why static charge builds up better in dry air is because the water vapor in the moist air is a bad conductor.