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noorzu t1_j4yxlff wrote

What makes some people more susceptible to receiving static electric shocks compared to others in the same environment?

My dad says he has never experienced a static shock, while I have been experiencing it 5-6 times a day the past few days. Neither of us carry any metal regularly other than gold jewellery. I regularly moisturize my skin, my dad doesn't.

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Indemnity4 t1_j53a8xd wrote

Most likely a difference in hair or shoes.

Static shocks are caused when someone accumulates excess electrical charge and is insulated from the environment. When that insulating material touches something conductive, the transfer of charge happens.

Thick soled shoes and synthetic fabrics such as nylon and polyester are insulating, allowing for larger buildup of charge.

If you have long hair and use a brush, or brushing-like activity, that can cause a buildup.

Your moisturizer may be in play, but not much. The moisturizer does trap water and sweat/salt which acts as a conductor. A person with dry skin would have worse static shocks.

Behaviour may be a factor. Someone regularly grounding themselves on metal structures will reduce their static buildup, think of someone working at a desk with a metal frame and brushing their leg against it. Some teen with shuffling gait scuffing their shoes on the carpet will have a higher static buildup.

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