eli5 how static electricity works and how it’s different from the stuff in our wall sockets/ lightning?
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Static electricity is caused by an imbalance of electrons, which are tiny particles that carry a negative charge. Sometimes, when two materials rub together, one material will transfer some of its electrons to the other material. This can cause an imbalance of electrons, which is called static electricity.
An example of static electricity is when you walk across a carpet and then touch a metal doorknob. As you walk across the carpet, the friction between your shoes and the carpet can cause an excess of electrons to build up on your body. When you touch the metal doorknob, the excess electrons flow from your body to the doorknob, creating an electric current. This flow of electrons can cause a spark or a shock.
Normal electricity, like the kind that comes out of the outlets in your wall, is different from static electricity because it is produced by moving electrons in a conductor, like a wire. The electricity in your wall sockets is produced at a power plant and sent through wires to your home.
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