When some one mentions static shock, you may think of the popular cartoons or TV show slapstick. But here we are dealing with the shock that is caused by static electricity. Shock is a trauma resulting from electricity passing through ones body to another object. If you touch a live electric wire, the current flows through your person to the ground. This gives you a jolt, which could be severe, or even fatal. Such shocks can come from static electricity as well. An example of this is the jerk you might feel if you walk vigorously on a carpet and then touch a metal object, say, a doorknob or any conductor (a material that does not resist electricity) for that matter. The same impact may be felt in a handshake or a kiss. What takes place is an electrostatic discharge (ESD).

To understand static electricity one has to look at atoms. Each atom consists of positively charged Protons, Neutrons that are neutral and Electrons, which have negative charge. Usually an atom has equal number of Protons and Electrons, balancing each other. This keeps the atom without any charge. But when the equilibrium is upset, static electricity generates and remains stagnant till it finds an outlet through ESD.

The parity between the positive charge and the negative charge in an atom can be destabilized when an Electron migrates. Protons and Neutrons usually remain with the atom. The transfer of Electrons takes place either due to friction or stress, or by induction, that is, when an object is in a static field.

The Electrons that have moved from an atom are negatively charged. They seek the opposite, positively charged particles. When you touch a conductive material, the electron flows to that material. This quick drainage is felt as a shock. You may find more instances of such shock during winter. This is because dry air is very conducive to the build up of static electricity.

Generally, manufacturing plants take precautions against static electricity and static shock. There are different equipment and systems for this. But in homes, if the problem is getting to be more than a nuisance, a portable humidifier can possibly handle it. Consult an expert or the manufacturers.