Question

What is the static charge that can be stored by your body as you walk across a carpet?

(a) 300 volts

(b) 3000 volts

(c) 30000 volts

(d) Over 30000 volts

I had been asked this question in an international level competition.

I'd like to ask this question from Digital Integrated Circuits in section Boolean Algebra and Minimization Techniques and Logic Gates of Digital Circuits

Answer 1

The correct answer is (d) Over 30000 volts

To explain I would say: When a person walks across a carpeted or tile floor electric charge builds up in the body due to the friction between shoes and floor material. If the friction static is greater the voltage potential develop in the body will be greater. You start act as a capacitor. This is called Electrostatic discharge. The potential static charge that can develop from walking on tile floors is greater than 15000 volts while carpeted floors can generate in excess of 30000 volts.