15.7 Accumulation of Charges
The accumulation of charges, often referred to as static electricity, occurs when electrons are transferred from one object to another, leading to an imbalance of positive and negative charges. In everyday life, it can cause minor shocks when touching metal objects or make clothes cling together. In industrial settings, accumulated charges can damage electronic components, ignite flammable substances, or disrupt manufacturing processes. Proper grounding, anti-static measures, and humidity control are often employed to mitigate these risks.