Static charge can be put to good use. In an electrostatic insecticide sprayer, the liquid is given an electric charge as it leaves the nozzle, so every droplet carries the same type of charge. Like charges repel, so the droplets push each other apart and spread out into a fine mist that covers the plant.
The plant is earthed or is neutral, so the charged droplets induce the opposite charge on the plant surface. The droplets are then attracted to the plant. They are pulled onto the leaves and even round to the underside, so the coverage is more even and less insecticide is wasted than with an ordinary spray.
The same idea is used in paint spraying. The paint droplets are charged and the car body is earthed. The droplets repel each other so the coat is even, and they are attracted to the car so very little paint is wasted.
