Static Electricity discharge question

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the phenomenon of static electricity and the sensations it produces, particularly the stinging feeling experienced by the person discharging static electricity. This sensation, referred to as Crown Discharge, occurs when the voltage between two points exceeds a threshold, allowing air to conduct electricity. The sting is attributed to energetic electrons that can cause minor cell damage, though the current is typically too low to cause significant harm. Participants note that while some individuals feel the sting, others may not, which raises questions about the mechanisms of pain perception. It is suggested that the sensation is linked to the activation of sensory nerve endings in the skin, which can respond to very small electrical stimuli without causing substantial damage. The discussion highlights the complexity of how static electricity interacts with the body and the variability in individual experiences of pain.
Red_CCF
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Why is it that someone who discharges static electricity feels a sting but the person who is receiving the static electricity doesn't feel anything?

Thanks
 
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That's not true actually. Many times i felt the sting while the other also did. Anyhow, let's get into what really happens when this static electricity causes "stings". This is called Crown Discharge and happens when the tension between two point separated by air overpasses a certain value (relatively high) then the air becomes a conductor and so the charges move trough it. The sting felt is due to the electrons them selves as they are quite energetic and kill some cells what makes you feel the little sting.

Any correctios are welcome :)
 
Zaphys said:
That's not true actually. Many times i felt the sting while the other also did. Anyhow, let's get into what really happens when this static electricity causes "stings". This is called Crown Discharge and happens when the tension between two point separated by air overpasses a certain value (relatively high) then the air becomes a conductor and so the charges move trough it. The sting felt is due to the electrons them selves as they are quite energetic and kill some cells what makes you feel the little sting.

Any correctios are welcome :)

How does the electrons gain energy? And does electrons kill cells as they arrive or leave someone
 
Red_CCF said:
And does electrons kill cells as they arrive or leave someone
In order to kill a cell you need a certain current density. Static electricity discharges have a very high voltage, but a very low current, so they generally won't kill cells significantly.
 
But enough to make you feel a little sting. In the certain region where the spark is produced the current density is quite high. But it's "instantaneous" (very very sudden) therefore no more harm is caused.
 
Hang on, this is a bit more involved, I think.

Clearly, damaging the epidermal skin layer (which is mainly dead keratin) is different from triggering a sensory nerve. Apparently, one can produce a pain sensation by applying a localized electrical stimulus (Bishop, Physiol. Rev 26, 77-102, 1946), but I don't know if the specific mechanism has yet been elucidated.
 
So does skin cell usually get killed in the person who discharges causing the sting? If so how does that work because I've tried to shock other people but I've always felt the sting while the other person said they didn't feel anything
 
Andy Resnick said:
Hang on, this is a bit more involved, I think.

Clearly, damaging the epidermal skin layer (which is mainly dead keratin) is different from triggering a sensory nerve. Apparently, one can produce a pain sensation by applying a localized electrical stimulus (Bishop, Physiol. Rev 26, 77-102, 1946), but I don't know if the specific mechanism has yet been elucidated.

Pain perception is through bare nerve endings in the dermis of the skin. It would take only a very tiny stimulus to "trigger" them without any damage, and static electricity qualifies.
 
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