Problems with static electricity
2 marks · EasyExplain why walking across a carpet and then touching a metal door handle can cause you to feel a small shock.
What happens to your body as you walk across the carpet?
Why do you feel a shock when you touch the metal handle?
Work this out on paper, then compare with the answer and worked solution below. With a free account you can submit written answers for marking.
Show answer
(a) You become charged due to friction between your shoes and the carpet.
(b) When you touch the metal, the charge suddenly flows to earth, causing a small shock.
Show mark scheme and worked solution
Marking points
B1 (a) · 1 mark · Explains body is charged by friction with carpet.
B2 (b) · 1 mark · Explains shock is due to sudden discharge of static when touching conductor.
Worked solution
a) Friction between your shoes and the carpet transfers electrons, building up static charge on your body. b) Touching the metal handle completes a circuit, letting charge flow rapidly to earth, causing a shock.