Static electricity can be generated by which processes?

Static electricity can be generated by which processes?

• A. Friction between unlike substances and the flow of flammable liquids
• B. Only by magnetic fields
• C. Only in high humidity environments
• D. It does not occur in liquid handling

Answer: (A)

Static electricity arises when charges are created and separated by contact and flow. The most common mechanism is friction: when two different materials rub or touch and then separate, electrons can transfer from one surface to the other, leaving one end negatively charged and the other positively charged. In liquids, charging also happens when liquids flow through pipes or hoses and are pumped or splashed across surfaces. This flow can separate charges at the liquid–surface interface and along the path, building up static on the liquid or on equipment. This is especially important with flammable liquids, because a stored or rapidly discharging static charge can ignite vapors if a spark occurs, so grounding and bonding are important safety measures. Magnetic fields don’t create static charges in these contexts, and humidity actually helps reduce static rather than generate it. It’s also true that static can occur during liquid handling, not that it doesn’t occur.

Static electricity arises when charges are created and separated by contact and flow. The most common mechanism is friction: when two different materials rub or touch and then separate, electrons can transfer from one surface to the other, leaving one end negatively charged and the other positively charged. In liquids, charging also happens when liquids flow through pipes or hoses and are pumped or splashed across surfaces. This flow can separate charges at the liquid–surface interface and along the path, building up static on the liquid or on equipment. This is especially important with flammable liquids, because a stored or rapidly discharging static charge can ignite vapors if a spark occurs, so grounding and bonding are important safety measures.

Magnetic fields don’t create static charges in these contexts, and humidity actually helps reduce static rather than generate it. It’s also true that static can occur during liquid handling, not that it doesn’t occur.