Contact charging

Definition

Contact charging is a process where two objects come into direct contact with each other, resulting in a transfer of electric charge between them. One object gains electrons while the other loses electrons.

Analogy

Think of contact charging like passing energy from one person's hand to another through a handshake. When they touch, one person may give some energy (electrons) while the other receives it, resulting in an exchange of charge.

Related terms

Conduction: This refers to the transfer of electric charge through direct contact between objects or substances.

Charging by rubbing (Triboelectric effect): This is a method where two objects are rubbed together, causing them to become charged due to electron transfer.

Electric potential difference (Voltage): This term describes the difference in electric potential energy per unit charge between two points in an electric circuit.