Chapter 32, Problem 34A

Why do clothes often cling together after tumbling in a clothes dryer?

To determine

To explain: The reason due to which the clothes often cling together after tumbling in the clothes dryer.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

According to the charge conservation principle, an electron is neither created nor destroyed. They are attracted or repelled from one surface to another to conserve the quantity.

When clothes are applied with dryer, then due to tumbling, clothes’ surfaces are rubbed against each other. Due to rubbing action, charges re-distribute themselves as per the charge conservation principle. This re-distribution produces static charges in the clinging clothes.

Conclusion:

Thus, because of the tumbling action, static charges are produced and clothes cling together.