“STATIC ELECTRICITY” MISCONCEPTIONS

Some elementary science textbooks contain subtle errors which pose barriers to students' understanding. "Static Electricity" is one subject which is rife with errors. Since the errors in textbooks seem to act like "viruses" which can "infect" our minds , I hope that the following discussion will act as a sort of "antivirus." (grin!) It should help those who read this webpage, and with luck my article might utilize some of the same rumor-dynamics as the viruses. These ideas might take off and spread through the elementary education population, and "immunize" large numbers of people against these particular misconceptions. So, please feel free to print this out and pass it to everyone you know! Don't miss OTHER ARTICLES

THE MISCONCEPTIONS: ‘Static Electricity’ is electricity which is static? No. Electric circuits use current, not ‘static?’ Nope. Friction causes ‘static electricity?’ Wrong. ‘Static electricity’ has nothing to do with High Voltage? ‘Static electricity’ is a buildup of electrons? Neutral objects have no charge? ‘Electricity’ is a form of energy? ‘Charging’ a capacitor fills it with charge? We don’t used ‘Static electricity,’ it’s too weak and feeble? Not exactly. ‘Static’ is a useless and rare event: sparks and dryer-cling? Clouds are charged by rubbing together? Ben Franklin’s kite was struck by lightning? Electrostatics” is the study of electricity at rest? SOURCE

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