How do you build up static electricity?

Answer 1

Static electricity is an accumulation of electric charge on an object. Objects that are normally electrically neutral have an equal number of protons (positively charged) and electrons (negatively charged). When two materials (especially those with weakly-bound electrons) contact each other, electrons can migrate from object to another, leaving an inbalanced charge, positive on one object, negative on the other. One classic way to build up static electricity is to rub your shoes on a carpet and then discharge it by touching a metal object. Another is by rubbing a balloon on your hair.

Answer 2

Static electricity is built up when certain materials rub against each other and transfer electrons. This transfer of electrons causes one material to become positively charged and the other material to become negatively charged. When these charged materials come into contact with each other or with a conductor, the excess charge can create a spark or electric shock.