Static Electricity

Charges If an object has lots of electrons, it is negatively charged. If it does not have many, it is positively charged. Negative charges are able to move because electrons are able to move. Protons are stuck in the nuclei of atoms, so positive charges can’t move. Friction, pressure, or heat may dislodge electrons. This can lead to charge separation, where one object picks up electrons from another.

Like charges repel, opposite charges attract.

Static The buildup of electrons in an object gives it a static charge. Current electricity is a constant flow of electrons, while static electricity is a buildup of electrons. During a discharge, electrons “jump” from an object with many electrons to an object without many. Electricity always “wants” to flow into the ground and find the easiest path to the ground. This is another way to discharge an object.

Induction Because electrons can move, objects can take on a charge when an another charged object is brought close to it.