TeXes Science Practice Test

What is created when electric charges build up on two objects that have been separated?

1. Magnetic field

2. Static electricity

3. Electric current

4. Current electricity

The correct answer is: Static electricity

When two objects are separated and develop an imbalance of electric charges, a phenomenon known as static electricity occurs. This buildup of electric charge happens because electrons, which carry a negative charge, can transfer from one object to another due to contact or friction. Once separated, the objects retain their charges, leading to a state of electrical potential difference between them. Static electricity can be observed in everyday life, such as when you rub a balloon on your hair and then stick it to a wall, or when you experience a small shock after walking across a carpet and touching a doorknob. It is distinct from electric current, which involves the flow of electric charges through a conductor, while static electricity refers to the charge that is stationary until it discharges. Therefore, the correct choice is that static electricity is what is created when electric charges build up on two objects that have been separated.