Electricity is the set of physical phenomena related to the presence and flow of electric charges.
The movement or flow of electrons produces this form of energy. Electrons are tiny particles in atoms. The movement of electrons causes an electrical charge or voltage that releases energy.
Electrons are subatomic particles that revolve around the nucleus of an atom. They have a negative charge, and if they experience a force of attraction or repulsion, they can move from one atom to another of a conductive material. Generating electricity means generating this movement of electrons.
There are two primary types of electricity:
- Static Electricity – Electric charge at rest; it does not flow.
- Dynamic Electricity – Flow of electric charges through a conductive material like copper wire; it involves a continuous current.
Power plants are facilities capable of generating electricity. These stations can use either renewable energy such as solar energy, eolic energy, hydropower, or non-renewable energy (fossil or nuclear energy).
Static Electricity
Static electricity refers to the accumulation of electric charge on the surface of a material, typically an insulator—a substance that does not allow electric current to flow freely. In this state, the electric charge remains stationary, as the material lacks the free-moving electrons needed for a continuous current.
This phenomenon occurs due to an imbalance between positive charges (protons) and negative charges (electrons) within or between objects. When such an imbalance arises, a static electric potential (voltage) can develop between different parts of the same material or between two separate objects.
An object with static charge can be either positively charged (having lost electrons) or negatively charged (having gained electrons), but it cannot be neutral while charged. These stationary charges exert electrostatic forces:
- Like charges repel each other
- Opposite charges attract
Because there is no continuous flow of electrons, static electricity does not produce magnetism, unlike dynamic (current-based) electricity.
A statically charged object can still influence nearby conductors through electrostatic induction, in which it redistributes charges within the nearby conductive material without direct contact.
Nature tends to restore balance through a discharge of static electricity—a sudden or gradual movement of charges that neutralizes the imbalance. For instance, when you touch a statically charged object, you may feel a small shock, caused by a rapid transfer of electrons. The crackling sound you hear is due to the air rapidly heating and expanding as the electrical energy is released as a spark.
How Is Static Electricity Produced?
Static electricity is commonly generated through friction between two insulating materials, such as a rubber balloon and a plastic surface. When rubbed together, electrons are transferred from one object to another, creating an imbalance of charges (Physics Classroom).
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The material that loses electrons becomes positively charged
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The material that gains electrons becomes negatively charged
These charges remain on the surfaces of the materials because insulators do not allow the free flow of electrons. This explains why a charged balloon can stick to a wall or attract small pieces of paper—the electrostatic force is acting at a distance.
Since the charges do not flow, but remain static, this phenomenon is termed static electricity, distinguishing it clearly from dynamic electricity, where electric current flows through conductive circuits.
Dynamic Electricity
Dynamic electricity refers to the continuous flow of electric charges—typically electrons—through a conductive material. In simple terms, it is what we commonly know as an electric current. This type of electricity powers homes, industries, and virtually all modern electronic systems.
When electrons are released or pushed from a source and flow through a conductor, dynamic electricity is produced. It is the form of electricity delivered by power companies through transmission lines to homes and businesses.
In dynamic electricity, electrons move through an electrical circuit composed of materials that allow easy passage of electric charges, such as copper or aluminum wires. This flow of electrons is known as electric current, and it exists in two primary forms:
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Direct Current (DC): In this type, electrons flow in one consistent direction. A common example is the electricity generated by a solar panel or a battery (Energy.gov: Solar Cells).
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Alternating Current (AC): Here, electrons periodically reverse direction, switching between positive and negative. AC is the standard form of electricity used in homes and power grids around the world.
Dynamic electricity is essential to modern life. It powers lights, appliances, communication systems, transportation, and virtually every digital device we use today.