Science
What is Static electricity?
Static electricity is a buildup of electric charge on a surface, created when materials rub together and transfer tiny particles called electrons. It's why a balloon sticks to your hair and why you sometimes feel a small shock touching a doorknob.
See it, don’t just read it.
Watch a 2-minute lesson with voice + animation that explains static electricity.
Key things to understand
- 1It's an imbalance of electric charge on a surface.
- 2Rubbing materials transfers electrons between them.
- 3The charge stays put (static) until it discharges.
- 4It causes clinging, sparks, and small shocks.
Frequently asked questions
- What causes static electricity?
- Rubbing materials together transfers electrons, leaving a buildup of electric charge on a surface.
- Why do you get shocked touching a doorknob?
- Built-up static charge on you suddenly discharges to the metal, which you feel as a tiny shock.
- Why does a balloon stick to hair?
- Rubbing charges the balloon, and the opposite charges attract, making it cling.