Question

If you "drag" your feet across the carpet of your living room during the winter and grab a wooden handrail as you go upstairs, will you get a shock? Explain why or why not?

1.Yes, because the friction between your feet and the carpet generates static electricity, and touching the wooden handrail allows the discharge.
2.No, because wood doesn't conduct electricity, preventing the shock from occurring.
3.Maybe, as it depends on the type of carpet and the amount of static buildup.
4.It's unlikely, since the carpet and wooden handrail may not have enough charge to cause a shock.

Answer 1

When you drag your feet across the carpet, friction generates static electricity. Touching a wooden handrail allows the discharge of this static electricity.

Step-by-step explanation:

Yes, because the friction between your feet and the carpet generates static electricity, and touching the wooden handrail allows the discharge. The rubbing between your feet and the carpet causes the transfer of electrons, resulting in a build-up of negative charge on your body. When you touch the wooden handrail, the excess electrons are transferred to the conductor, which is the handrail, allowing for the discharge of static electricity.