Electrostatics

Useful Applications, Dangers of

Electrostatics and Nuisances
 Photocopiers
Depending on the make, the photocopier either electrically charges ink so it will stick to the page in
designated areas, or, charges are used to stick the ink to a drum, which then transfers the ink to the page.
Positive charges from high voltage are sprayed onto the drum. They do not have enough energy to flow to the
earth, and so stay on the drum. paper is placed over the drum and when light is shone onto the paper.
The figures on the page cast a shadow onto the plate, and also give the charges the energy need to escape
to earth. The page is now neutral where white and keeps its charge where the paper is black. The page is
now an exact copy, with charges taking place of the ink particles

• Toner particles are sprayed through a negatively charged nozzle onto the plate. As the toner passes through the
nozzle it picks up the charge so that each particle of toner becomes negatively charged. The now charged toner
is attracted to the areas of positive charge because unlike charges attract. More light then allows the positive
charge to escape (However the negative charge on the toner remains.)
• A piece of paper is given a very strong positive charge, and then placed in contact with the plate. The paper
attracts the toner. The paper is then removed from the plate and passed through a heating unit. The heat melts
the toner and bonds it to the paper.
 Paint Spraying
• The paint spray passes through a high voltage positive needle that
electrically charges them, making the tiny droplets positive.
• The car itself is given a negative charge, which attracts the positive
paint droplets.
• This is a good way of paint your car because it paints the car more
evenly because the positive droplets repel each other as they are
sprayed onto the car.
 Dust Precipitators in Power
Stations
• Precipitators electrostatically charge the dust particles in the gas they are
trying to filter. The now charged particles are attracted to the plates and
deposited on them. The dust is then removed by shaking, which dislodges it
from the collectors, causing it to fall due to gravity; it is then taken from the
hopper to a disposal point

• In this process there are three main parts:

• Ionization - Charging of particles
• Migration - Transporting the charged particles to the collecting surfaces
• Collection - Precipitation of the charged particles onto the collecting
surfaces
Dangers of Electrostatics -
Lightning
Overhead Power Cables
Refuelling/ Fuelling Airplanes