An industrial flour mill uses a non-conducting polymer chute to transport finely ground flour into storage silos. During operation, a significant static electric charge accumulates on both the chute and the flour particles.
Explain how the polymer chute and the flour become electrically charged during this process.
Describe a possible danger of static charge accumulation in a flour mill.
To mitigate this hazard, a copper grounding strap connects the chute's metal collar to a metal rod driven deep into the earth. Explain how this grounding strap reduces the danger.
