"Gymmie Bob" wrote in message
...
That's just nonsense and is probably just a troll from a person like you.

tit for tat?

All the skin is in parallel to the arc circuit. If you understand parallel
and series electrical circuits at all you will know the voltage is excatly
the same. I agree with what you are saying. However, I think you mean the
**current** is lower by being spread out throughout a larger area of flesh
and feels less. The cureent in the arc is no less though. The voltage
doesn't change because of the area or other external factors to the arc.

The distance it jumps does determine the intensity or heat created by the
spark. High voltage corona theorum tells us that a pointed object will
"bleed" or discharge smaller sparks more easily and a blunt object (your
finger or flesh) will tend to build up the charge and snap a much more
intense zap. This is the principle of lightning rods used on farmer's
barns.
The sharp points in the air tend to "bleed" the static electrical
difference
from the air in an attempt to keep the big zap from happenning.

I doubt your key is going to "bleed" the static charge as it just isn't in
proximity long enough. This isn't enough difference to feel safe
discharging
static around a flammable/volatile substance. Highly not recommended and
very dangerous to practice and/or recommend.


All your theory and 'doubts' aside, try it. Walking across a carpet and
touch a door knob directly (assuming the humidity is low enough and you have
the 'wrong' kind of shoes). Then repeat the experiment with car keys and
touch the knob with them. Unless your central nervous system is shot, you
*will* notice a difference.

daestrom