Static Electricity

• Static electricity is the buildup of electric charges on an object.

• Atoms are made of protons (+), neutrons (0) , and electrons (-).

• Most objects are neutrally charged, but friction can create a charge imbalance.

• What happens when two objects rub together?

What is Static Electricity?

• Most objects are neutrally charged (equal protons and electrons)

• Friction transfers electrons, making one object positively charged and the other negatively charged.

Atoms & Charges

• Charge imbalance is corrected through discharge, like small shocks or lightning.

Static Discharge

Atoms and Charges

• Everything is made of atoms with protons (+), electrons (-), and neutrons (0).

• Electrons can move between objects, creating a charge.

How Static Electricity Works

Charging by Friction

• Rubbing objects transfers electrons. The object losing electrons becomes positively charged, and the other becomes negatively charged.

  Example: Socks rubbing on a carpet.

• Nature seeks balance, so excess charge is released as an electric discharge (e.g. lightning)

How Static Electricity Works

Attraction and Repulsion

• Opposite charges attract (positive and negative).

• Same charges repel (positive and positive or negative and negative).

How Static Electricity Works

• Clothes sticking together in the dryer.

• Getting a shock when touching a doorknob.

• Lightning is a giant spark of static electricity!

Examples of Static Electricity in Daily Life

• Conductors: Allow electricity to flow easily (metals like copper, aluminum)

• Insulators: Prevent electricity from moving (rubber, plastic, wood, glass)

• Purpose: Insulators protect us from electric shocks by stopping electron flow

Insulators & Conductors

• Use a humidifier to add moisture.

• Wear rubber-soled shoes to prevent charge buildup.

• Use anti-static spray to reduce friction.

Preventing Static Electricity