How Static Electricity Works

Cameron Writt is a Bentonville, Arkansas, data analyst with an extensive background in stand-up comedy. Interested in everything from history to everyday objects, Cameron Writt has made these the topic of his blog writings. He also covers the scientific arena.

One phenomenon that people encounter is static electricity or the short “hair-raising” jolt of energy that can be felt in situations such as opening a door after shuffling on a carpet. All physical objects are composed of charged atoms. Opposite charges (negative to positive) attract each other, while identical charges repel. In a majority of situations, the positive and negative charges within an object balance, making them neutral.

When an imbalance of positive and negative charges occurs, it builds up until the electrons find a medium of discharge and dispersal. This built-up charge does not move. Thus, it’s “static electricity.” The surplus static electricity finally does flow, in current form, when it comes into contact with an object able to conduct.