What causes static electricity?

An easy-to-understand explanation of why static electricity is caused by repeated contact between different materials. read more

Static electricity is an imbalance of electric charges within or on the surface of a material. The charge remains until it is able to move away by means of an electric current or electrical discharge. read more

Although lightning is a spectacular example of static electricity, it's not something we can harness. But there are many other places where static electricity is incredibly useful; from laser printers and photocopiers to pollution-busting power plants, static can be really fantastic. read more

Static electricity can be a nuisance or even a danger. The energy that makes your hair to stand on end can also damage electronics and cause explosions. However, properly controlled and manipulated, it can also be a tremendous boon to modern life. read more