What is static electricity?
http://www.sciencemadesimple.com/static.html
http://www.ducksters.com/science/static_electricity.php
Ms.sue I am only in fourth garde thanks for helping and that website is very helpful
You're welcome, Solo.
Static electricity is a form of electric charge that stays on the surface of an object, rather than flowing through it. It occurs when there is an imbalance of positive and negative charges on objects involved in an interaction. In simpler terms, it is the result of the buildup of an excess of electrons (negatively charged particles) on the surface of an object.
To understand static electricity, it is helpful to know that all matter is made up of atoms. Atoms consist of three main particles: protons (positively charged), neutrons (uncharged), and electrons (negatively charged). Normally, an atom has an equal number of protons and electrons, making it electrically neutral.
Static electricity occurs when electrons are transferred from one object to another, causing one object to become positively charged (losing electrons) and the other negatively charged (gaining those electrons). This transfer of electrons can happen through various processes, such as friction, contact, or induction.
Friction: When two objects rub against each other, like rubbing a balloon against your hair, electrons may be transferred from one object to another, resulting in an excess or deficit of electrons on the surfaces.
Contact: When two objects come into direct contact with each other, electrons can also be transferred from one object to another, leading to a charge imbalance.
Induction: In some cases, even without direct contact, a charged object near another object can cause a redistribution of charges. This is called induction, and it can result in the accumulation of charges on the surface of the second object.
Static electricity can create various observable effects, such as attracting or repelling objects, causing shock sensations when touching a grounded object, or even leading to sparks or lightening under certain conditions.
It is important to note that while static electricity can be fascinating and sometimes fun to observe, it can also be dangerous in certain situations. Large static electric discharges can cause harm or ignite flammable materials. Therefore, it is always essential to handle static electricity with caution and be aware of the potential risks it may pose.