Static Electricity

electricity · science · invisible forces

Charges get stuck. Static electricity forms when electric charges build up on an object and can't move away. They just sit there, waiting for their chance to escape.

Opposite charges attract. Objects with opposite electric charges are attracted to each other. When you rub a balloon on your hair, negative charges move onto the balloon, making it stick to the wall.

Sudden release. When stuck charges finally get a chance to move, they release all at once in a burst of energy. That's what causes the spark you see and the zap you feel.

Different from current. Static electricity is charges that stay in place, while current electricity is charges that flow continuously through wires and power your home.

Happens everywhere. You create static electricity when you rub your socks on carpet, peel apart plastic wrap, or pull off a sweater. It's one of the easiest forms of electricity to make yourself.