Static electricity | Physics | Khan Academy

Courses on Khan Academy are always 100% free. Start practicing—and saving your progress—now! https://www.khanacademy.org/science/highschool-physics/x6679aa2c65c01e53:electrostatics/x6679aa2c65c01e53:static-electricity/v/static_electricity Want to explore more? Check out the full electricity & magnetism playlist here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSQl0a2vh4HAtw9UfXpWWFRfheZYwHptr Most macroscopic objects are electrically neutral most of the time. However, objects can develop a static net charge if they pick up extra electrons or lose some electrons. This can happen through friction. Objects with opposite net charges attract, and objects with like net charges repel. It's also possible for a net neutral object to be attracted to a charged object. This happens because atoms near the surface of the neutral object become polarized. Sections: 00:00 - Intro 00:22 - How rubbing creates static electricity 04:17 - Polarization 08:11 - Why static electricity doesn't last very long? ------------------ Khan Academy is a nonprofit organization with the mission of providing a free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere. Khan Academy has been translated into dozens of languages, and 15 million people around the globe learn on Khan Academy every month. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we would love your help! Donate here: https://www.khanacademy.org/donate?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=desc Volunteer here: https://www.khanacademy.org/contribute?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=desc