Static Electricity

What is static electricity?

Static electricity is an imbalance of electric charges within or on the surface of a material. This charge remains stationary until it is able to move away, for example, through a discharge.

How is static electricity generated?

Static electricity is typically generated by the rubbing of two different materials together, a process known as triboelectric charging or charging by friction. This causes electrons to transfer from one object to another.

Describe the triboelectric effect.

The triboelectric effect is a type of contact electrification in which certain materials become electrically charged after coming into frictional contact with a different material through rubbing. One material gains electrons and becomes negatively charged, while the other loses electrons and becomes positively charged.

Give two common examples of static electricity.

Two common examples are: 1. Rubbing a balloon on your hair, causing your hair to stand on end. 2. Walking across a carpet and then touching a metal doorknob, resulting in a small shock.