The human body can bring wonderful surprises. Consider, for example, the fact that we are sometimes able to transmit electricity in small quantities to other objects. Have you ever received light electric shocks when approaching someone or touching an object? If you have wondered why this happens and how it works, find out below the reasons.

Atoms in our body have positive, negative and neutral energies

Everything around us is made up of atoms and, of course, that includes the human body. Atoms, on the other hand, are made up of protons, electrons and neutrons. Each of them has a positive, negative or neutral charge, respectively. And while atoms generally have a somewhat stable number of these 3 types of particles, electrons tend to travel from one place to another all the time. This means that they can move from our furniture to our clothes, and from there to a colleague's shoulder when we greet them or give them a slap on the shoulder or a handshake.

Static electricity is what happens when negative energy is not balanced

When there is an imbalance between electrons and protons, or in other words, an imbalance of negative and positive energy, something is created that scientists refer to as "static electricity". Despite its complicated name, you probably created your own static electricity. For example, if you have ever rubbed your hair with a balloon, actually - you are "getting" some more electrons than you had before. However, if a little later, you approach a positively charged object, think, for example, of a metal object or something else made of a conductive material, you will probably feel a small electric shock. These are electrons moving from one place to another, trying to regain balance.

Small electric shocks are more common when the weather is cold and dry

During the winter, or in parts of the world where the climate is particularly dry and cold, static electricity may be more frequent. This is due to the fact that moist air is actually a natural conductor, which can help avoid stronger emissions, such as those that occur in environments where humidity is lower. In the case of the latter, lack of moisture can cause frequent electrical discharges when someone is touching certain surfaces.

There are some materials that give us their electrons and others that make us "send sparks"

As you know, metals are the main conductors of electricity - so much so that they are used to create special objects whose sole purpose is to conduct electricity. However, there are also fibers, such as polyester, that have a low level of conductivity and can still be involved in the transit of electricity traveling from one place to another when we suddenly give or receive these light electric shocks. Polyester, for example, is found in many objects that we use in our daily lives, including furniture and clothing.

Source: US National Library of Medicine, Bright Side