Electricity (Static Electricity and Electric Current)
1. What is Static Electricity?
Static electricity is the build-up of electric charge on the surface of an object. This occurs when electrons
(tiny negatively charged particles) are transferred from one surface to another due to friction (rubbing). The
object that gains electrons becomes negatively charged, while the one that loses electrons becomes
positively charged.
Why “static”? The charges stay in one place (are “static”) until they have a way to move, such as
when you touch a conductor.
Example: When you walk across a carpet, your shoes can pick up extra electrons, giving your body
a charge. When you then touch a metal door handle, those electrons quickly move to the handle,
creating a tiny “shock” you can feel.
2. What is Electricity?
Electricity is the movement or flow of electric charge (typically electrons) through a conductor, such as a
metal wire. This flow of charges is called an electric current. Electricity can be used to do work — for
example, to light up a bulb, run a motor, or charge a phone.
Electricity can be generated in many ways: using batteries (chemical energy), solar panels (light), or
at a power station (using turbines and magnetic fields).
In an electrical circuit, charges flow from a power source (such as a battery) through a pathway of
conductive materials and back to the source, creating a circuit.
3. Comparing Electricity and Static Electricity
Feature Static Electricity Electricity
Charge
Movement
Charges build up and remain in one place
until discharged.
Charges move continuously through a
conductor.
Duration Temporary — lasts until the charge is
neutralised.
Can be sustained as long as a circuit and
energy source are connected.
How It’s
Created
By friction between surfaces, causing a
build-up of charge.
By converting energy (chemical, magnetic,
solar) into a flow of charges.
Path of Charges No complete path required — charges move
quickly in a sudden discharge.
Requires a closed circuit for a continuous
flow.
Energy Source Created by separation of charges between
objects.
Created by a power supply (battery, solar
panel, generator).
Examples Getting a shock from a door handle, hair
standing on end, lightning.
Powering a lamp, charging a phone, making
a motor spin.
Observability Not usually noticed until discharged. Can be used to operate devices reliably and
intentionally.
In Simple Terms:
Static electricity is like charges collecting and then suddenly jumping (a shock).
Electricity is like charges flowing smoothly through a wire to make things work.
