What is the process called when static electricity is discharged through conduction?

The process of discharging static electricity through conduction is known as grounding. Grounding involves connecting an object that has accumulated static charge to the Earth or another large conducting body that can absorb or dissipate the charge safely. This allows the excess electrons (or the deficiency of electrons) to flow away, neutralizing the excess charge and preventing potential shocks or damage from that static electricity.

In contrast, insulation refers to materials that prevent the flow of electric current, while charging pertains to the process of an object gaining or losing electrons to acquire an electric charge. Electrolysis, on the other hand, is a chemical process that uses electricity to drive a non-spontaneous reaction, typically involving the breakdown of compounds in solution. Understanding the fundamentals of grounding can help with electrical safety and managing static electricity effectively.