Electrostatic Force

Electrostatic force is the attraction or repulsion between objects caused by electrical charges. When something is charged—like rubbing a balloon on your hair—it either gains or loses electrons, creating a positive or negative charge. Opposite charges (positive and negative) attract each other, pulling together, while like charges (both positive or both negative) repel, pushing apart. This force acts at a distance without physical contact, and it’s responsible for phenomena like static cling or lightning. Electrostatic forces are fundamental in many technologies, from photocopiers to air purifiers, and play a key role in everyday electrical interactions.