Physics

Essay

Static
Charge

Student name
Criterion D Myp
5th Level

Page 1 of 12
Achievement level Level descriptor

0 The student does not reach a standard identified by any of the descriptors below.
1–2 The student is able to:
i. outline the ways in which science is used to address a specific problem or issue

ii. outline the implications of using science to solve a specific problem or issue,
interacting with a factor

iii. apply scientific language to communicate understanding but does so with

limited success

iv. document sources, with limited success.

3–4 The student is able to:

i. summarize the ways in which science is applied and used to address a specific
problem or issue

ii. describe the implications of using science and its application to solve a
specific problem or issue, interacting with a factor

iii. sometimes apply scientific language to communicate understanding

iv. sometimes document sources correctly.

5–6 The student is able to:

i. describe the ways in which science is applied and used to address a specific
problem or issue

ii. discuss the implications of using science and its application to solve a specific
problem or issue, interacting with a factor

iii. usually apply scientific language to communicate understanding clearly and

precisely

iv. usually document sources correctly.

7–8 The student is able to:

i. explain the ways in which science is applied and used to address a specific
problem or issue
ii. discuss and evaluate the implications of using science and its application to
solve a specific problem or issue, interacting with a factor
iii. consistently apply scientific language to communicate understanding clearly
and precisely
iv. document sources completely.

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All matters are made up of atoms, which consist of 3 types of smaller particles, negatively charged
electrons, positively charged protons, and neutral neutrons. Furthermore, the mother nature always
looks forward for balance, thus, normally, electrons and protons in an atom balance out leading to
a neutrally charged atom that has a 0 net charge. Moving on, protons are confined to the nuclei of
an atom, in which they cannot flow what so ever. However, electrons are tiny as well as
insignificant in mass, which makes them capable of leaving the shell of the atom when they have
sufficient energy and attach to other atoms, where they are now called loosely bounded electrons,
or free electrons. On the top of that, conductors are materials that allow the charge to flow into
them due to the fact that they have lots of loose electrons. On the other hand, insulators are material
that do not allow the charge to flow into them for they do not have loose electrons. Static electricity,
or static charge, is the buildup of an electric charge on an insulator, whether it is a solid, liquid or
gas, in which it sticks to a certain insulator and will not be able to flow (static). Nevertheless, a
static charge won’t build up on a conductor (rarely), because an electrical charge on a conductor
will be able to flow back due the fact that it has lots of loose electrons. 1 In order to understand how
static electricity is generated, we must understand the adhesive force, which is a force that clench
materials together. Therefore, if 2 different insulator material were to be rubbed against each other,
the adhesive molecular force will pull electrons from one material and settle them down unto the
other. Thus, static charge can be either built up through rubbing, or through contact/separation
charging, in which two diverse insulator materials come in contact with each other, leading to the
discharge of electrons from one material (positive pole) to another (negative pole); the 2 materials
are then separated and static electricity is generated. Additionally, electrostatic induction (the
induction of an opposite electrical charge on a surface after bringing an object with static electricity
charge near it), applying pressure (piezoelectric effect), or applying heat (pyroelectric effect) are
other ways of producing static electricity. 2 Static electricity has been used in a variety of incredible
applications among a wide range of industries. However, it has its own hazards and dangers that
must be taken into consideration when dealing with it.

1
TED-Ed. (2015, April 9). The science of static electricity. Retrieved April 15, 2022, from
[Link]

2
Kurtus, R. (2022). Causes of static electricity. Causes of Static Electricity by Ron Kurtus. Retrieved April 15, 2022, from
[Link]

Page 3 of 12
A photocopier, despite its simple manufacturing, uses electrostatic charges in almost all its parts in
its physical internal structure. A photocopier machine consists of a fluorescent light bulb, a
photosensitive drum, a toner, and a conveyer built for filling up the paper. First of all, once you
place the intended document be copied upside down on the glass and press start, a beam of light
scans that paper intensely from top to bottom, in which the black area (blank ink) doesn’t reflect
much light (absorb light), while the white area of paper reflects the light beams rapidly causing
them to fall on the photosensitive drum. Furthermore, the photosensitive drum is said to be
electrostatically charged by a high voltage wire called the corona wire(15KV), in which negative
charges get often transferred to the drum. It is also important to say that the metal drum is covered
with a photosensitive material selenium, that is a semi-conductor, where it acts as an insulator in
dark areas, while it acts as a conductor when light falls on it. Moving on, when the reflected beam
of lights fall on the photosensitive drum surface, it becomes conductive leading to the discharge of
the negative charges, while the area in which the beam of light didn’t fall of it remains negatively
charged, thus, we have an electrical shadow of the paper on the photosensitive drum. Furthermore,
as the photosensitive drum is rotating, the electrical shadow is carried towards that toner, which
has positively charged particles that attract (stick) to the electrical shadow (negatively charges),
thus, we now have an ink image of the document on the drum. To sum up, a blank sheet of paper
is loaded into the conveyer belt, and is given a strong negative charge (larger than those on the
drum), thus, the positive charges (toner particles) are allowed to stick onto the pace of paper, which
passes through rollers that applies heat and pressure in order to permanently stick the particles (ink)
to the paper’s fibers. 3 (See Figure1.1) Figure 1.1. Photocopier Machine

Maunelli., A. (2021, October 30). 7

photocopier components and their
functions. YaleTools. Retrieved
April 19, 2022, from
[Link]
components/

3
MindMotion. (2017, December 23). How A Photocopier Works. MindMotion. Retrieved April 16, 2022, from
[Link]

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 Figure 1.2 Laser Printer
Similar to a photocopier, a laser printer works mainly on the principle
of static electricity. However, there is no paper to be copied, in which
electronic data is converted into words and pictures. A laser printer
beams the electronic data onto the photosensitive drum that is
electrostatically charged through the corona wire, in which it builds up
a pattern of static charge. Moving on, it attracts the toner (powdered
ink) that has an opposite charge than the drum and is later on
4
permanently fused using heater rollers. (Refer to the previous
paragraph to read about the exact detailed process.) (Figure 1.2). GT, & Admin, G. T. (2019, May 9). How a laser printer works?
Retrieved April 19, 2022, from [Link]
laser-printer-works/
Beside a laser printer, electrostatic spraying is one of the applications that took advantage of static
charge to achieve efficiency. While electrostatic spraying, the object to be painted receives high
positive charges from a positive electrode (similar to a battery cable), and is grounded, while the
spray (liquid/powdered paint) traveling under high air pressure is atomized as soon as the droplets
pass an electrode inside of the nozzle head of the sprayer, or when the spray is still in the reservoir.
Negative charges are induced(pressed) onto the droplets which are then carried by a stream of air
towards the object to be painted. Due to the nature of balance, the negative charged spray droplets
stick (attract) to the object that is electrostatically positively charged. It is also important to say
that the droplets have a force of attraction 75 times that of gravity, which in turn allows them to
move against gravity coat all the hidden areas, get uniform coverage, save paint, and protect the
environment. (Figure 1.3).
Figure 1.3 Electrostatic Spraying

Feihong. (2018, September 13). Methods of applying powder -

electrostatic spraying. Powder Coating Powder Supplier |
Professional Powder Manufacturer Exporter. Retrieved April 19,
2022, from [Link]
applying-powder-electrostatic-spraying/

4
Brother UK Global Technology Solutions and Services Provider Brother UK Ltd. (2021, June 3). How does a laser printer
work? Retrieved April 19, 2022, from [Link]
work#:~:text=Like%20a%20photocopier%2C%20laser%20printers,then%20fused%20using%20heated%20rollers.

Page 5 of 12
Furthermore, due to the fact that all paint droplets have the same charge, they repel each other,
which produces a fine mist of paint that travels away from its source towards the object to be
5
painted.

We still didn’t finish for now, where an electrostatic precipitator is also one of the applications that
use static electricity in order to get rid of dust particles/carbon unburned particles due to industries
before leaving the smokestacks, which in turn reduces pollution and saves the environment. In an
electrostatic precipitator, a positive electrode and a negative electrode (metal bars, plates, bars) are
placed against the inner wall of the smoke stack. Moving on, when high voltage is applied, electric
discharge occurs across the stack, which leads to the ionization of the neutral air molecules in the
smokestack, in which it is the removal of an electron from a neutrally charged atom, leading to the
presence of loose electrons and positive ions. Furthermore, the loose electrons attach to the dust
particles/carbon unburned particles making it negatively charged, thus, they stick to the positive
electrode fitted in the smoke stack.6 Last but not least, the electrodes rapidly vibrate to dispose the
accumulated dust particles into a hopper. (Figure 1.4)

Figure 1.4 Electrostatic Precipitators

Becker, K. (2017, February). Conceptual diagram of an

electrostatic precipitator. Retrieved April 19, 2022, from
[Link]
of-an-electrostatic-precipitator-Source-Data-from-
Becker-30-C2010_fig3_313428450

5
ByoPlanet. (2012, August 25). What is Electrostatic Spraying? Retrieved April 19, 2022, from
[Link]

6
Aasoka. (2015, May 27). Electrostatic Precipitator. Aasoka. Retrieved April 19, 2022, from
[Link]

Page 6 of 12
Static electricity is highly important considering the fact that it has various uses and applications
in daily factors. First of all, static charge plays a pivotal role in reducing pollution and saving the
environment, in which a static charge (negative charge) is induced on dirt particles in the air for it
to be attracted to a positive electrode and then collected in a reservoir. Pollution controlling using
electrostatic precipitators is said that is capable of removing 99% of particulate matter. 7
Furthermore, air ionizers occur in a lot of modern houses in order to purify air, in which it works
similar to an electrostatic precipitator, where it works on the principle of static electricity and
ionization.8

On the other hand, static electricity has a different story regarding its effect on economics, where
it acts as a negative impact. For instance, in order to remove particulate matter using an electrostatic
precipitator, 2-4% of a power plant’s electrical energy output is consumed, which is considered a
high cost.9 Moreover, static electricity is a major reason for the loss of millions of dollars in
electronic industries, in which static electricity is capable of destroying the sensitive components
of a machine. Additionally, insulators (plastics) may develop static electricity while moving
through a machine, which leads to jams or serious destruction, as well as a shock that might cause
burns and severe injuries. To sum up, despite the fact that static electricity is highly expensive and
somewhat dangerous, it can still on the long run save money, boost the reliability of product, and
enhance a company’s production field. 10

7
Hanania, J., Kailyn Stenhouse, & Donev, J. (2018, September 3). Electrostatic precipitator. Electrostatic precipitator - Energy
Education. Retrieved April 19, 2022, from
[Link]
a,to%20generate%20electricity%20for%20use.

8
Simco. (2020). FAQs. How does air ionization work? Retrieved April 19, 2022, from [Link]
[Link]/resources/faqs#:~:text=Ionization%3A%20Air%20ionizers%20work%20by,equipment%20and%20surfaces%20i
s%20neutralized.

9
EPA. (2021, December 14). Monitoring by Control Technique - Electrostatic Precipitators. Retrieved April 19, 2022, from
[Link]

10
CircuitsByUs. (2020, March 19). STATIC ELECTRICITY CAN CAUSE 3 TYPES OF DAMAGE IN ELECTRONIC
COMPONENTS. Retrieved April 18, 2022, from [Link]
in-electronic-components/

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As have been stated before, despite the major uses and applications of static electricity across a
wide range of industries, it does still possess a threat to life. This is all mostly due to the spark,
which is the jump of electrons across a gap between a charged object and the earth (earthed objects)
which all have 0 volts. For instance, while you are walking on a rug (insulator), electrons from
your body will eventually rub off onto it. However, considering that the rug is an insulator, it will
prevent the loss of its own electrons.

Therefore, since your body have lost electrons to the rug, it is a positively charged body (charged
object), while the rug becomes negatively charged. Moving on, as soon as you touch the metal door
knob, loose electrons will find the chance to jump over to your hand in order to replace the lost
electrons, and that is when you feel a slight spark. 11

The previous example is just a minor problem (besides heart stopping in rare cases), however,
lightnings, which are due to static electricity, have the protentional to destroy buildings, trees, etc.
Inside a cloud, moving water/ice particles are present, which are frequently rubbed once an air
current has passed through them, thus, static electricity is built up. The ground is now said to be
positively charged relative to the negative charges that have been built up inside the cloud, thus,
there appears to be a large potential difference between the ground and the clouds. Furthermore, as
soon as a significant amount of charge particles build up in the clouds, lightning occurs, which the
travel of charged particles from the clouds to earth carrying an enormous power. (Figure 1.5)
Figure 1.5 Lightnings

Mini Physics, & Susan. (2015, December 26).

Lightning as potential electrostatic hazards.
Mini Physics. Retrieved April 19, 2022, from
[Link]
[Link]

11
Cognito. (2019, September 29). GCSE Physics - Static Electricity #23. Retrieved April 19, 2022, from
[Link]

Page 8 of 12
Unfortunately, refueling aircraft and tankers might be one of the common dangers of static
electricity. This is due to the build of static charge by the fuel while it is flowing through the hose
to the aircraft, in which it causes a spark that is enough to ignite the fuel. Additionally, as a driver,
while you are refueling your car as usual, you may carry excess electrons, which in turn will cause
12
a spark as soon as you touch the fuel pump, thus, a sudden combustion will take place.

All and all, Static charges have the potential to ease our daily life needs/tasks, in which they occur
in diverse and various applications. Despite the fact that static electricity does have its own dangers
and hazards, nowadays knowledge is enough to reduce these risks (e.g., Earthing). Finally, static
electricity did for sure create a pivotal difference in this world.

Figure 1.6 A Sudden Combustion Caused by a Spark

LearningForKeeps. (2020, June 21). Does refueling incur Static Electricity. O Level Physics
Tuition | 73% A1 A2 | IP Physics Tuition | Possibly best IP and O level physics tuition in
northeast and east of Singapore. Specialised in pure physics tuition for 12 yrs at Hougang
and Tampines. Max 6. Retrieved April 19, 2022, from
[Link]

12
Kay Science. (2021, February 13). Dangers of Static Electricity | GCSE Physics (9-1) | [Link]. Retrieved April 19,
2022, from [Link]

Page 9 of 12
  APA Bibliography:

TED-Ed. (2015, April 9). The science of static electricity. Retrieved April 15, 2022, from
[Link]

Kurtus, R. (2022). Causes of static electricity. Causes of Static Electricity by Ron Kurtus. Retrieved April 15, 2022,
from [Link]

MindMotion. (2017, December 23). How A Photocopier Works. MindMotion. Retrieved April 16, 2022, from
[Link]

Brother UK Global Technology Solutions and Services Provider Brother UK Ltd. (2021, June 3). How does a laser
printer work? Retrieved April 19, 2022, from [Link]
work#:~:text=Like%20a%20photocopier%2C%20laser%20printers,then%20fused%20using%20heated%20rollers.

ByoPlanet. (2012, August 25). What is Electrostatic Spraying? Retrieved April 19, 2022, from
[Link]

Aasoka. (2015, May 27). Electrostatic Precipitator. Aasoka. Retrieved April 19, 2022, from
[Link]

Hanania, J., Kailyn Stenhouse, & Donev, J. (2018, September 3). Electrostatic precipitator. Electrostatic precipitator
- Energy Education. Retrieved April 19, 2022, from
[Link]
%20a,to%20generate%20electricity%20for%20use.

Simco. (2020). FAQs. How does air ionization work? Retrieved April 19, 2022, from [Link]
[Link]-
[Link]/resources/faqs#:~:text=Ionization%3A%20Air%20ionizers%20work%20by,equipment%20and%20surfaces
%20is%20neutralized.

Page 10 of 12
EPA. (2021, December 14). Monitoring by Control Technique - Electrostatic Precipitators. Retrieved April 19,
2022, from [Link]
electrostatic-precipitators/

CircuitsByUs. (2020, March 19). STATIC ELECTRICITY CAN CAUSE 3 TYPES OF DAMAGE IN ELECTRONIC
COMPONENTS. Retrieved April 18, 2022, from [Link]
of-damage-in-electronic-components/

Cognito. (2019, September 29). GCSE Physics - Static Electricity #23. Retrieved April 19, 2022, from
[Link]

Kay Science. (2021, February 13). Dangers of Static Electricity | GCSE Physics (9-1) | [Link]. Retrieved
April 19, 2022, from [Link]

Maunelli., A. (2021, October 30). 7 photocopier components and their functions. YaleTools. Retrieved April 19,
2022, from [Link]

GT, & Admin, G. T. (2019, May 9). How a laser printer works? Generictoner. Retrieved April 19, 2022, from
[Link]

Feihong. (2018, September 13). Methods of applying powder - electrostatic spraying. Powder Coating Powder Supplier
| Professional Powder Manufacturer Exporter. Retrieved April 19, 2022, from
[Link]

Becker, K. (2017, February). Conceptual diagram of an electrostatic precipitator. Retrieved April 19, 2022, from
[Link]
30-C2010_fig3_313428450

Mini Physics, & Susan. (2015, December 26). Lightning as potential electrostatic hazards. Mini Physics. Retrieved
April 19, 2022, from [Link]

Page 11 of 12
 LearningForKeeps. (2020, June 21). Does refueling incur Static Electricity. O Level Physics Tuition | 73% A1 A2 |
IP Physics Tuition | Possibly best IP and O level physics tuition in northeast and east of Singapore. Specialised in
pure physics tuition for 12 yrs at Hougang and Tampines. Max 6. Retrieved April 19, 2022, from
[Link]

Page 12 of 12