Where is static electricity and how does it move?

Answer 1

Static electricity is a form of electricity that does not flow: it is electricity at rest. Objects carry positive electric charges when some of their atoms have fewer electrons than they should, and they carry negative electric charges when some of the atoms have more electrons than they should. An easy way to produce static electricity is to rub two objects (made of certain materials) together: this transfers electrons from one item to another, giving each a positive or negative charge. Positively and negatively charged objects are attracted to each other like magnets-because each wants to shed or acquire electrons. When static electricity becomes powerful enough, so many electrons jump from one thing to another that they cause a visible electric spark, which you will feel as a little "shock" if one of the things the electrons jump to you! (Loose electrons can attach to atoms in the surface of your skin.) Lightning, in fact, is really just a giant spark that results when static electricity builds up in a cloud during a thunderstorm.

Answer 2

Static electricity occurs when there is an imbalance of electrons on the surface of an object. It can be generated by friction between different materials or by contact and separation. When the excess electrons build up on an object, they can be transferred to another object through contact, causing a spark or discharge.