The shock you feel after rubbing your hand on a sweater and then touching a doorknob or a metal object is due to static electricity. Here's how it works:
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Static Electricity Generation: When you rub your hand on the sweater, friction between your skin and the fabric causes electrons to be transferred from one material to another. This process can result in an imbalance of electrical charge, typically leaving you with a surplus of electrons (negatively charged) on your body.
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Build-up of Charge: As you continue to rub your hand on the sweater, your body accumulates more charge. This charge tends to stay on your skin because the air is a poor conductor of electricity.
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Contact with a Conductor: When you touch a doorknob or any other metal object (which is a conductor), the excess charge on your body finds a pathway to discharge. Metal is very effective at conducting electricity, so the electrons on your body suddenly rush into the metal object to equalize the charge difference.
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Shock Sensation: The rapid movement of electrons is what creates the "shock" sensation. This discharge can be quite quick and may cause a tingling or even a painful feeling, depending on the amount of charge built up.
This is a common occurrence, especially in dry environments where static electricity tends to build up more easily. Wearing certain materials, like wool, can also enhance the effect because they are more prone to creating static charge through friction.