Static electricity and dry cell

In summary, when you hold a higher potential battery wire without touching the ground, some of the static electricity is stored in you. This means the voltage of the higher potential will be reduced due to loss of charges.
  • #1
Elsa1234
47
2
As it is said , if we hold the higher potential of a battery via a wire without touching the ground, some of the static electricity gets stored into us. Does that mean that the voltage of the higher potential reduces due to loss of charges.
 
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  • #2
Elsa1234 said:
As it is said , if we hold the higher potential of a battery via a wire without touching the ground, some of the static electricity gets stored into us. Does that mean that the voltage of the higher potential reduces due to loss of charges.

First, you need to be clear on what you mean by the "voltage of the higher potential" - all voltage measurements are taken between two points, and the result of the measurement is the difference between the potential at those two points. So when you're talking about the "higher potential", that's higher than what?

In concrete terms... You're going to use a voltmeter to measure the voltage at the battery terminal that we've touched, see if the voltage is different before and after we touch the terminal. Every voltmeter has two leads, and one of them will of course go that battery terminal. Where will the other lead go?
 
  • #3
Nugatory said:
First, you need to be clear on what you mean by the "voltage of the higher potential" - all voltage measurements are taken between two points, and the result of the measurement is the difference between the potential at those two points. So when you're talking about the "higher potential", that's higher than what?

In concrete terms... You're going to use a voltmeter to measure the voltage at the battery terminal that we've touched, see if the voltage is different before and after we touch the terminal. Every voltmeter has two leads, and one of them will of course go that battery terminal. Where will the other lead go?
By high potential , I mean higher than the potential of my body, the other terminal will go to my fingers
 
  • #4
Elsa1234 said:
By high potential , I mean higher than the potential of my body

So you mean you're holding one lead while the other is connected to the battery terminal that you're about to touch? and you said "static electricity", so your body is electrically isolated from the ground? Yes, in that case the voltage difference between those two points will change when you touch the battery terminal.

Other questions that you might want to consider are: How does a voltmeter connected between you and the other battery terminal change when you touch the wire? How about a voltmeter connected between either battery terminal and the ground? And a voltmeter connected between you and the ground?
 
  • #5
Nugatory said:
So you mean you're holding one lead while the other is connected to the battery terminal that you're about to touch? and you said "static electricity", so your body is electrically isolated from the ground? Yes, in that case the voltage difference between those two points will change when you touch the battery terminal.

Other questions that you might want to consider are: How does a voltmeter connected between you and the other battery terminal change when you touch the wire? How about a voltmeter connected between either battery terminal and the ground? And a voltmeter connected between you and the ground?
Does that mean that a bulb put instead of a voltmeter may light up though only very minutely and momentarily?
 
  • #6
Elsa1234 said:
Does that mean that a bulb put instead of a voltmeter may light up though only very minutely and momentarily?

What do you think and why?
(To answer questions like this quantitatively, you'll need the concet of "capacitance" - your classwork may not have gotten to it yet, but it will).
 

Related to Static electricity and dry cell

1. What is static electricity?

Static electricity is a type of electrical charge that builds up on the surface of an object. It occurs when two objects with different electrical charges come in contact with each other, causing a transfer of electrons.

2. How is static electricity different from current electricity?

Static electricity is a stationary electric charge, while current electricity is a continuous flow of electric charge. Static electricity is usually generated through friction or contact, while current electricity is produced by a power source.

3. How is dry cell used to produce electricity?

Dry cells use a chemical reaction between two electrodes to produce electricity. The electrodes are typically made of zinc and carbon and are surrounded by an electrolyte paste. As the chemical reaction occurs, electrons are released and flow through a circuit, creating an electric current.

4. What are some common uses of static electricity?

Static electricity has many practical applications, such as in photocopiers, air filters, and spray painting. It is also used in industries such as agriculture, printing, and electronics.

5. How can static electricity be controlled or eliminated?

One way to control static electricity is by grounding objects, which allows excess electrons to flow into the ground. Another method is to use antistatic materials, which can help prevent the buildup of static charge. Humidifying the air can also reduce static electricity as water molecules can neutralize charges.

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