Winter is here, which means it's time for
warm clothes, thick socks and getting shocked
by everything you touch.
What do doorknobs and light switches have
against you?
Electrons, mostly.
Static shocks occur when two things with different
electrical charges get close enough.
You see this with door handles, balloons and
clothes fresh out of the dryer.
It happens in nature, too.
Lightning is just a really big static discharge.
These charges get built up through friction,
like when you're walking across carpet in
thick wool socks or putting those warm flannel
sheets on the bed for the winter.
And yes, it's worse when it's cold out.
In dry winter air, there's less water vapor
to conduct charge away from you.
The lower the humidity, the higher the voltage
of static discharges.
So now you know — not that knowing will
make it any easier to brave the door handle
every morning.
If you take off those fluffy socks, not only
will you ground yourself, but you'll also
cause less friction as you walk.
Or, if you'd rather keep your toes warm, a
humidifier can prevent the air in your home
from drying out.
