Why does dust collect on surfaces?
Show answer & explanation
Answer: Static electricity attracts dust
Air currents push dust down — Wrong. Air currents do move dust around, but dust accumulates mainly because it settles from gravity and sticks due to static charge.
Static electricity attracts dust ✓ — Correct! Dust particles carry electrical charges from friction with air. Surfaces (especially plastic, screens, wood) also develop static charges. Opposite charges attract—dust sticks! Plus, dust is small enough to settle slowly from gravity. That's why electronics and TVs get dusty fast!
Dust is heavier than air — Wrong. Dust is denser than air so it settles over time, but it's so light that it floats for hours. Static electricity is why dust clings to surfaces instead of just falling off.