We have all seen static electricity in the form of lightning or perhaps felt the zap when reaching for a door knob. Similar types of electrical charges can have an effect on the electronic components you handle every day in your work. Unfortunately, their effect is much more hazardous and not as readily apparent. Definition Static electricity is an electrical charge at rest. Static electricity is most commonly created by friction and separation.
Friction causes heat which excites the molecular particles of the material.
When two materials are then separated, a transfer of electrons from one material to the other may take place. As electrons transfer, the absence or surplus of electrons creates an electrical field known as static electricity. The simple separation of two materials, as when tape is pulled off a roll, can also create this same transfer of electrons between materials, generating static electrical fields. The amount of static electricity generated depends upon the materials subjected to friction or separation, the amount of friction or separation and the relative humidity of the environment. Common plastic generally will create the greatest static charge.