What Factors Influence Electric Shock When Exiting a Car?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around factors influencing electric shock experienced when exiting a car, focusing on concepts related to static electricity and the properties of materials involved. Additionally, a secondary question regarding rest mass of particles is presented.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore various factors that might affect the size of the electric shock, such as clothing material, distance slid across the seat, and environmental conditions like humidity. Questions about the nature of the shock and its causes are raised, with some participants suggesting that static electricity plays a role.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the questions, sharing thoughts on the causes of the electric shock and discussing the relevance of different factors. Some guidance has been offered regarding the nature of static electricity, and there is a recognition of the impact of humidity on electric charge. Multiple interpretations of the questions are being explored.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty regarding the specific definitions and implications of the factors listed in the first question, as well as the context of the second question about rest mass. Participants express confusion about the questions and the need for conceptual understanding rather than equations.

**Mariam**
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Homework Statement


1)a student decides to investigate the electric shock she received when she gets out of her car. Which of the following factors least likely to have a significant effect on the size of the shock?
A. The material of her clothe
B. The distance she slides across the seat when getting out
C. The part of the car she touches when she gets out
D. The humidity of the air
E. Whether or not the engine is running

2) which has the least rest mass?
Electron
Photon
Quark
Proton
Neutron

Homework Equations


I don't really understand the questions, but probably no equations needed cause it's only concepts
Maybe for second question, Erest=mc^2

The Attempt at a Solution


As I mentioned, I have no clue
 
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**Mariam** said:

Homework Statement


1)a student decides to investigate the electric shock she received when she gets out of her car. Which of the following factors least likely to have a significant effect on the size of the shock?
A. The material of her clothe
B. The distance she slides across the seat when getting out
C. The part of the car she touches when she gets out
D. The humidity of the air
E. Whether or not the engine is running

2) which has the least rest mass?
Electron
Photon
Quark
Proton
Neutron

Homework Equations


I don't really understand the questions, but probably no equations needed cause it's only concepts
Maybe for second question, Erest=mc^2

The Attempt at a Solution


As I mentioned, I have no clue
What causes the shock?
 
berkeman said:
What causes the shock?
Maybe the fact that the car is a conductor , so inside conductor there is no charge but on the surface there is?
 
**Mariam** said:
Maybe the fact that the car is a conductor , so inside conductor there is no charge but on the surface there is?
No, don't over-think this problem. You can get that kind of shock pretty much anywhere. Like when you pull on a wool pull-over sweater and touch a door knob. What kind of shock is that? What causes it? You can read about it at wikipedia, and I bet you'll be able to answer the question then. :smile:
 
berkeman said:
No, don't over-think this problem. You can get that kind of shock pretty much anywhere. Like when you pull on a wool pull-over sweater and touch a door knob. What kind of shock is that? What causes it? You can read about it at wikipedia, and I bet you'll be able to answer the question then. :smile:

Ok, it's static electricity that builds up on your body from car seat.

So A and B are ruled out.
I also think whether can affect the charge, cause if more water /humidity means less electric shock.

Is it correct until now?
 
**Mariam** said:
Ok, it's static electricity that builds up on your body from car seat.

So A and B are ruled out.
I also think whether can affect the charge, cause if more water /humidity means less electric shock.

Is it correct until now?
Yes, good! :smile:
 
berkeman said:
Yes, good! :smile:
I think it's E then
 
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Likes   Reactions: berkeman
**Mariam** said:
I think it's E then
Looks right.
 

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