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The Conversation USA

Static electricity's tiny sparks

  • Written by Sebastian Deffner, Assistant Professor of Physics, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
imageStatic electricity can cause more than just a bad hair day.Ken Bosma, CC BY

Static electricity is a ubiquitous part of everyday life. It’s all around us, sometimes funny and obvious, as when it makes your hair stand on end, sometimes hidden and useful, as when harnessed by the electronics in your cellphone. The dry winter months are high...

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