static electricity

Static electricity is the build-up of electric charge on an object's surface, caused by the transfer of electrons between materials through friction or contact. When two different materials come into contact and then separate, electrons may move from one to the other, creating positive and negative charges. These charges remain stationary until they find a way to discharge, often resulting in a static shock or attract lightweight objects like hair to a balloon. Static electricity is a common, natural phenomenon, and while usually harmless, it can cause sparks or interfere with electronic devices.