When you drag your feet across a carpeted floor, electrons are transferred from

Question

When you drag your feet across a carpeted floor, electrons are transferred from the carpet to your body. Suppose you accumulate enough electrons to cause a spark between your hand and a door knob at some distance ( specifically a potential difference between the door knob and your hand of 1.9 KV).

(a.) Considering that an electric field of 3 mil volts per meter is required to cause this spark, What maximum distance between you and the door knob would cause the spark?

(b.) On a very dry day, your body will build up a greater charge, since there is less water vapor to carry off the electrons. What potential difference would be required to cause a spark at a separation of .3 inches?

Explanation / Answer

Potential difference between the door knob and your hand V = 1.9 KV
                                                                                            = 1900 V
(a.) Electric field is required to cause this spark E =3 mil volts per meter                                                                            = 3 x 10 -3 V / m Maximum distance between you and the door knob would cause the spark d = V / E                                                                                                                     = 633.333 x 10 3 m
(b.) Potential difference would be required to cause a spark at a separation of 0.3 inches V ' =? Separation d ' = 0.3 in                       = 0.3 x 0.0254 m                       = 7.62 x 10 -3 m So, V ' = E d'             = 2.286 x 10 -5 volt

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