What is Static Electricity?

There are different types of electricity. One type is called static electricity. We cannot see it. We cannot hear it. But sometimes we can feel it. Sometimes static electricity can make your hair stand up!

Photo Credit: Andrew Rich/E+/Getty Images

Static electricity is the buildup of an electrical charge on an object. The static can move when you touch something. It may give you a shock as it moves from one object to another.

Photo Credit: Ken Cavanagh/McGraw Hill

Static electricity happens in the winter. The air is drier in your home. Objects have more electrical charge. When you touch a light switch you could get a small shock!

What Do You Think? Ask an adult to blow up a balloon. Rub it back and forth quickly on the carpet or a sofa to build up a static charge. Then see if it will stick to a wall!  

Photo Credit: Joe Polillio/McGraw Hill