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2024-11-11

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We Finally Know What Creates Static Electricity, After Thousands of Years (www.sciencealert.com)

submitted 2 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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We finally have an answer: The beginning and the end of the sliding motion that produces static electricity experience different forces – resulting in a charge differential between the front and the back that results in the crackle of static electricity.

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[–] [email protected] 6 points 2 months ago (1 children)

It's not inaccurate. The electrons do "just move" but the energy transfer mechanism was unknown for static buildup. With enough kinetic energy (aka friction heat, I hate the concept of friction) the charges are going to move and collect easier, just like charging a battery. Just really tiny batteries

[–] [email protected] -3 points 2 months ago (1 children)

Oh I assure you Timmy once you grow up you'll appreciate friction ;) ;)

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 months ago

Well, to be pedantic, friction is still the enemy there. But that just ruins the joke. Pedantry strikes again.