Static electricity, also known as electrostatics, is the accumulation of an electric charge on the surface of an object

 Static electricity, also known as electrostatics, is the accumulation of an electric charge on the surface of an object. It occurs when electrons move from one material to another, resulting in an imbalance of positive and negative charges. 

Here are some things to know about static electricity:

How it's generated

Static electricity can be generated when two objects rub together, or when a negatively charged material comes near an electrically neutral object. 

How it's discharged

When conditions allow the built-up charge to flow, the static electricity is discharged and becomes current electricity. 

Examples

Some examples of static electricity include:

Getting a shock when walking on a rug and touching a metal surface 

Rubbing your shoe on the carpet 

Removing your hat and transferring electrons from the hat to your hair 

Rubbing a balloon on your head and causing your hair to stand up 

Effects on electronics

Static electricity can damage semiconductor devices used in electronics. Researchers who work with nanodevices use antistatic straps and take other precautions to avoid static discharge.