Chapter 3, Problem 1RQ

Why is static electricity considered to be a charge and not a current?

To determine

Why is static electricity considered to be a charge and not a current?

Answer to Problem 1RQ

Static electricity refers to electrons that are immobile and not moving. Hence, it is a charge and not a current.

Explanation of Solution

Description:

The word static is used to express any quantity that is not moving or idle. Static electricity refers to electrons that are idle and immobile. Hence, it is considered to be a charge and not a current. A static charge can be either positive or negative depending upon the number of electrons. If an object has less electrons, it will have a positive charge; and if it has an excess of electrons, it will carry a negative charge.

Insulators are the only materials that hold the electrons motionless and keep them from flowing to a different position. Hence, electrostatic charges are built up on insulator materials. Electrostatic charges can be built up on a conductor only if it is electrically insulated from the surrounding objects.

Conclusion:

The reasons why static electricity is considered to be a charge and not a current has been explained.