Question

Why is the charge developed on a plastic comb when moved through dry hair called static electricity?

Answer 1

1. The charge developed on a plastic comb when moved through dry hair, then the tiny pieces of paper get attracted towards the plastic comb.
2. When materials behave this way, they are said to be electrified with static electricity or said to be electrically charged.
3. This electrical charge on such bodies cannot flow continuously. That is why it is called static electricity.
4. Charge develops on the comb when it moves through the dry hair due to friction between the hairs and the comb.
5. Friction is the simplest basic source of electrostatic energy. Charging an object by rubbing is called charging by friction.
6. Thus, during rubbing, the two bodies develop charge due to the transfer of some electrons from one body to another.
7. This charge will not move, it is at rest.
8. Static electricity is the branch of science in which we study the effect of charge at rest.