| The branch of science known as electrostatics is a | | | | that when an object has a high resistance to electrical |
| complicated one. This isn't because it is extremely | | | | flow, the charge is going to be trapped in the object |
| difficult for us to understand, but it can very | | | | for a longer time. As the charge builds and builds, it will |
| complicated for us to explain. Of course it is possible | | | | eventually have to get rid of the charge it is carrying. |
| to gain a good understanding of electrostatics through | | | | This either happens through a slow 'bleeding' of the |
| a proper study of the scientific principles behind it. | | | | charge into the ground, or through a large discharge, |
| We encounter electrostatics on a day-to-day basis. | | | | such as the electric shocks you experience when |
| For example, electrostatics is at work when you | | | | touching metal objects. This is essentially a large |
| remove plastic wrap from a piece of food, and the | | | | amount of energy leaping from one surface to |
| plastic sticks to you. Electrostatics is also at play when | | | | another. |
| you shock yourself on a door knob after walking | | | | Some examples of science products used to |
| across a room filled with carpet. Yet another example | | | | demonstrate this phenomenon in a controlled |
| of electrostatics is when you rub a balloon over your | | | | environment are the Van De Graaff generator and |
| hair. By holding the balloon close to your head | | | | Wimshurst Machine. The Van De Graaff generator |
| afterward, your hair will stick up. All of these examples | | | | produces the electric charge imbalance that was |
| are a direct result of electrostatics, and there are | | | | described in the previous paragraph. When this |
| many more. | | | | imbalance takes place, it becomes very easy to |
| The science involved in electrostatics, as stated | | | | observe the electrostatic charge building up and |
| before, can be quite complicated. That said, there are | | | | transfer between surfaces. This can also be |
| more basic explanations for electrostatic behaviors | | | | demonstrated by touching the storage sphere of a |
| and principles. Electrostatics can be studied at many | | | | Van De Graaff generator. If you are standing on an |
| different ages and learning levels, and can be taught | | | | insulated surface when you do this, your hair will stand |
| using very simple and basic concepts. Much of science | | | | on end. This effectively demonstrates electrostatic |
| and mathematics function this same way. There are | | | | power and transfer. Science products like the Van De |
| always deeper and more elaborate explanations for | | | | Graaff generator and Wimshurst Machine will come |
| things, but often times simple surface explanations and | | | | with very simple directions and include explanations for |
| observations are the most effective. These surface | | | | the different phenomena associated with each. |
| explanations are what we discuss here. | | | | In conclusion, while the study of electrostatics can be |
| Electrostatics is brought about when there is an | | | | quite complex, the fundamentals really are quite simple |
| exchange of charge on two or more different objects. | | | | and easily explained. There are a variety of scientific |
| In fact, these exchanges happen every time two | | | | products and supplies that will help students to attain a |
| objects touch one another. Many times you will only | | | | higher level of understanding about these electrostatic |
| notice the exchange when one of the objects has a | | | | fundamentals. |
| high resistance to electrical flow. This is due to the fact | | | | |