Static Charge on people and in general... (detection/sign)

[danyal711]

I have a few questions regarding static charge.

 

1) When people get charged up (by rubbing a across a carpet etc), is it the person that usually gives up electrons or gets electrons or is their no bias and it can happen either way? (I know that it depends on the materials rubbing but I am just speaking typically based on what we know about how people usually get charged (socks, shoes, sweatshirts etc...).

 

2) How can you detect static (strength and +/-)? Is there a digital way to do this? (also can you do this without actually affecting the system... i.e. without discharging the object...)

[5614]

1) Depends on the material. Even socks etc. can be made out of different materials which can make a difference.

 

2) Yes you can, for example see here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrometer