A NUMBER of human discoveries are based on the applied knowledge of static electricity. Technology that utilizes static electricity is now widely used by us in everyday life.
What are the technologies used based on static electricity? The following is the description as reported from the Natural Sciences/Ministry of Education and Culture book for SMP/MTs Class IX Semester 1 written by Siti Zubaidah et al.
a. Electrostatic precipitator in chimney.
The function of an electrostatic precipitator is to clean the flue gas that comes out through the chimney so that it does not contain dirty particles that can pollute the air. The main components in this tool are a negatively charged wire and a positively charged metal plate.
When dirty smoke passes through the wire, some of the ash particles will be negatively charged. After that, the positively charged metal plate will attract the ash particles to form soot
easy to clean.
b. Car painting.
Car paint droplets will become electrically charged when they rub against the spray nozzle and the air. The paint granules will be attracted to the car body if the car body is given a charge opposite to the paint charge.
c. Photocopier.
Apart from applying optical concepts, photocopiers also apply the concept of static electricity. The main component of a photocopier that uses static electricity is the use of toner or a container of fine black powder. The toner is deliberately made negatively charged so that it is easily attracted by the paper.
Summary of chapter IV static electricity
1. Static electricity occurs due to differences in electric charge.
2. Electric charge consists of positive and negative electric charges. Similar electric charges (positive with positive or negative with negative) are repulsive. Different electric charges (positive and negative) are attractive.
3. The magnitude of the repulsive or attractive force between two electric charges can be calculated using Coulomb’s law equation.
4. An electric field is an area around a charge that can cause an electric force on other charges.
5. Electric potential is the work required to move electrons from one point to another point that is infinitely far away (distance has no effect).
6. The electric potential difference can be calculated by comparing the amount of electrical energy required with the amount of electric charge transferred.
7. Lightning is an example of a potential difference in the environment. The potential difference in two different clouds or between clouds and the earth can cause electron movement.
8. Electricity in the body is related to the composition of ions found in nerve cells.
9. Nerve cells are composed of dendrites, cell bodies, cell nuclei, and neurites or axons.
10. Nerve cells can transmit stimuli due to attractive charges. The attraction of electrical charges on nerves occurs when there is stimulation from neurotransmitters.
11. The electrical charge in nerve cells is found in the axon or neurites. When nerve cells do not transmit impulses, negative electrical charges are found inside the nerve cells and positive electrical charges are found on the outside of the nerve cells.
12. Certain animals can generate electricity, for example elephant trunk fish, electric stingrays, hammerhead sharks, echidnas, electric eels and electric catfish.
13. Electrical technology is used in electrostatic precipitators in chimneys, car painting, and photocopiers. (Z-2)
#Static #Electricity #Technology #Summary
**Interview on the Applications of Static Electricity with Expert Dr. Samantha Lee**
**Interviewer (I):** Welcome, Dr. Samantha Lee, an expert in electrostatic technology. Today, we’re diving into the fascinating applications of static electricity in our daily lives. Thank you for joining us!
**Dr. Samantha Lee (SL):** Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss this important yet often overlooked topic.
**I:** To start, can you explain how static electricity is being utilized in technologies like laser printers?
**SL:** Absolutely! Laser printers are a great example. These printers rely on static electricity to transfer toner to paper. The image drum becomes electrostatically charged as the laser creates an image. This charged area attracts negatively charged toner particles, which are then transferred to the positively charged paper, creating a printed image. It’s a brilliant application of static electricity in print technology!
**I:** Interesting! What other technologies utilize static electricity?
**SL:** There are several notable applications. For instance, electrostatic precipitators are used in chimneys to clean flue gases. They work by using a negatively charged wire and a positively charged plate to attract and collect harmful particles from emissions. This effectively reduces air pollution.
**I:** That’s impressive! I also read about how static electricity is used in car painting. Can you elaborate?
**SL:** Certainly! When spray painting cars, the paint droplets become electrically charged as they pass through the nozzle. By ensuring that the car body carries an opposite charge, the droplets are attracted to the surface. This method not only enhances adhesion but also minimizes overspray and waste, making it an efficient process.
**I:** And what about photocopiers? How do they incorporate static electricity?
**SL:** Photocopiers use static electricity as well. They employ a negatively charged toner, which is attracted to the paper once it’s charged appropriately. This creates a clear image on the paper. The combination of electrostatic principles and optical technology makes photocopiers work effectively.
**I:** It’s fascinating how integral static electricity is in so many devices we use daily. Could you summarize some key points about static electricity for our audience?
**SL:** Sure! One key point is that static electricity results from an imbalance in electric charges. Electric charges consist of positive and negative types, which repel similar charges and attract opposite ones. The forces at play can be described using Coulomb’s law. Essentially, static electricity is a fundamental force that enables a variety of technologies, enhancing our efficiency and environmental impact.
**I:** Thank you, Dr. Lee, for such insightful information! It’s clear that static electricity plays a crucial role in various technologies that improve our everyday life.
**SL:** Thank you! I appreciate the opportunity to share this knowledge and hope that more people become aware of how essential static electricity is in our lives.
**I:** Absolutely! We look forward to learning more from you in the future.
