What causes static electricity?

Answer 1

How does static electricity work?

1. Static electricity is the result of an imbalance between negative and positive charges in an object. These charges can build up on the surface of an object until they find a way to be released or discharged. One way to discharge them is through a circuit. The rubbing of certain materials against one another can transfer negative charges, or electrons. For example, if you rub your shoe on the carpet, your body collects extra electrons. The electrons cling to your body until they can be released. As you reach and touch your pet (dog or cat) you get a shock. It is only the extra electrons being released from you to your unsuspecting pet.

How does my hair stick up?2. As you remove your hat, electrons are transferred from hat to hair, creating that interesting hairdo! Remember, objects with the same charge repel each other. Because they have the same charge, your hair will stand on end. Your hairs are simply trying to get as far away from each other as possible! How does a balloon stick to the wall?3. When you rub a balloon against your clothes and it sticks to the wall, you are adding a extra of electrons (negative charges) to the surface of the balloon. The wall is now more positively charged than the balloon. As the two come in contact, the balloon will stick because of the rule that opposites attract (positive to negative).

Answer 2

Static elecricity is when two things rub together, and one of the materials picks up negatively charged electrons- making the item that has picked up elecrons negative, and the other one positive. This charge does not move easily, or through wires etc, hence the name static (meaning it does not move)