Static electricity is the build up of an electrical charge on the surface of an object. It's called "static" because the charges remain in one area rather than moving or "flowing" to another area.
We see static electricity every day. It can even build up on us. For example, when we rub our feet on the carpet and then zap something when we touch it. That is static electricity that we have built up on the surface of our skin discharging onto another object. We also see it when our hair gets charged and sticks straight up or when our pant legs keep sticking to our legs. This is all static electricity that has built up on the surface of an object.
Lightning is a powerful form of static electricity
What is static electricity?
In our study of atoms we learned that atoms are made up of tiny particles called neutrons, protons, and electrons. The neutrons and protons make up the nucleus. The electrons spin around the outside of the nucleus. A static charge is formed when two surfaces touch each other and the electrons move from one object to another. One object will have a positive charge and the other a negative charge. Rubbing the items quickly, like when you rub a balloon fast over something or your feet on the carpet, will build up a large charge. Items with different charges (positive and negative) will attract, while items with similar charges (positive and positive) will push away from each other. Sort of like a magnet.
One example of this is when you slide down a slide and all of your hair stands up straight. This is because the friction of sliding has caused a positive charge to be built up on each hair. Since each hair has the same charge, they all try to push away from each other and end up standing up straight.
Likewise, when your skin is charged with static electricity and you touch something metal, like a door handle, the metal is very conductive and will quickly discharge the static electricity, creating a zap or small spark.
Does it have any real uses?
Static electricity has several uses, also called applications, in the real world. One main use is in printers and photocopiers where static electric charges attract the ink, or toner, to the paper. Other uses include paint sprayers, air filters, and dust removal.
It can damage electronics
Static electricity can also cause damage. Some electronic chips, like the kind that are in computers, are very sensitive to static electricity. There are special bags to store electrical components in so they don't get destroyed by static electricity. Also, people that work with these kinds of electronics wear special straps that keep them "grounded" so they won't build up a static charge and ruin the electronic components.
Fun facts about static electricity
A spark of static electricity can measure thousands of volts, but has very little current and only lasts for a short period of time. This means it has little power or energy.
Lightning is a powerful and dangerous example of static electricity.
As dangerous as lightning is, around 70% of people struck by lightning survive.
Temperatures in a lightning bolt can hit 50,000 degrees F.
Static electricity will build up faster on a dry non-humid day.
