Electrostatic Charging and Simulation of the Discharging Process

When two isolating materials with different dielectric constants are rubbed against each other, the materials charge up; i.e. one material gives up electrons to the other isolating material. Such an effect is des­ cribed as electrostatic charging. The same can happen to a person. If he moves in a dry atmosphere on a well insulated carpet he can charge himself to several thousand volts. Upon approaching a conducting object, his potential is discharged with intensive arcing via the conductor.