static electricity
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Static electricity is an imbalance of electric charges that builds up within or on the surface of a material. It matters because this charge buildup can cause sudden electrical discharges, like the shock you feel when touching a doorknob after walking across a carpet, which has practical effects in everyday life and industry.
AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.
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Example of the effect of static electricity on a child's hair
A simple experiment to demonstrate static electricity. A plastic scale rubbed on dry hair attracts paper bits. Static electricity is an imbalance of electric charges within or on the surface of a material. The charge remains until it can move away as an electric current or by electrical discharge. The word "static" is used to differentiate it from current electricity, where an electric charge flows through an electrical conductor.