When aviation fuel flows along a pipe, there is friction between the fuel and the pipe. This leads to a build up of electrostatic charge. Before any aircraft is refuelled, a conducting cable must be used to join the aircraft to the fuel tanker. Sometimes, the aircraft and tanker are also connected to an earthing point. The technicians who carry out the refuelling do not wear synthetic clothing. They wear cotton overalls.
1. What hazard can be caused by a build up of electrostatic charge? ___________________________________________________________ 2. It is more important to bond the aircraft to the tanker than it is to earth the aircraft. Explain why. ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________
3. Suggest why the technicians wear cotton overalls instead of synthetic clothing. ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ Write down another example, other than refuelling, where the build up of electrostatic charge can be dangerous. ___________________________________________________________ 4. Static electricity has many practical uses. (a) The paramedics on the helicopter sometimes have to use a defibrillator that will restart someone’s heart if it has stopped. Describe how a defibrillator works. ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ (b) Photocopiers and laser printers are other practical applications of static electricity. Suggest two other useful applications. 1. ________________________________________________________ 2. ________________________________________________________