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All matter, including non-conductors contain protons (which have a + charge) neutrons ( which have no or 0 charge) and electrons (which have a - charge) The protons and neutrons are 'wrapped up' in the middle of the atom, the nucleus, and so do are not able to move, but the electrons go around the outside of the atom, they orbit the nucleus like our planet orbits the sun, these can move.

If some of the electrons are removed by rubbing a non-conductor then it gains an overall + charge as there is still the same number of protons (+) but now less electrons (-). The reverse is also true if electrons are transferred to a non-conductor then it will have more electrons (-) than protons (+) and therefor have an overall - charge.

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7mo ago

Static electricity can build up on nonconducting materials when they rub against each other, causing electrons to transfer between them. This creates an imbalance of charges, resulting in static electricity.

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Q: What causes static electricity in things that don't conduct electricity?
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What causes static electricity to build up?

Static electricity builds up when there is an imbalance of electric charges on the surface of objects. This can happen when two materials rub against each other, transferring electrons from one material to the other. The accumulation of these excess charges creates static electricity.


Things that conduct electricity?

Metals such as copper and aluminum are good conductors of electricity. Water that has impurities in it, such as salt, also conducts electricity. Other materials like graphite and some types of acids can also conduct electricity.


What are some things that use static electricity to function?

Some common things that use static electricity to function include photocopiers, printers, air purifiers, and paint sprayers. Static electricity is used in these devices to attract particles, create a static charge for imaging, or facilitate the transfer of paint particles.


What is a form of electricity that can attract things?

Static electricity is a form of electricity that can attract things. It occurs when there is an imbalance of electric charges on the surface of objects, causing them to be either positively or negatively charged. This imbalance can cause objects to attract or repel each other.


You feel electricity when you touch things?

Feeling a mild electric shock when touching things could be due to a build-up of static electricity on your body or the object. Static electricity occurs when there's an imbalance of positive and negative charges. The shock comes from the flow of electrons trying to neutralize the charge difference.

Related questions

What is useful about static electricity?

You can move things with static electricity!


What causes static electricty?

Static electricity is a build up of electrons that are rubbed off by things rubbing against each other. Static electricity is a problem on dry days with low humidity. Even the wind rubbing on cars can build up static electricity, a comb or balloon rubbed against clean hair builds up static electricity and of course lightening is a discharge of static electricity from the clouds to the Earth.


What causes static electricity to build up?

Static electricity builds up when there is an imbalance of electric charges on the surface of objects. This can happen when two materials rub against each other, transferring electrons from one material to the other. The accumulation of these excess charges creates static electricity.


Do static electricity not allow electricity to pass through?

Sorta ... static electricity always develops on insulated things : either non-conductors or isolated conductors.


Things that conduct electricity?

Metals such as copper and aluminum are good conductors of electricity. Water that has impurities in it, such as salt, also conducts electricity. Other materials like graphite and some types of acids can also conduct electricity.


What are some things that use static electricity to function?

Some common things that use static electricity to function include photocopiers, printers, air purifiers, and paint sprayers. Static electricity is used in these devices to attract particles, create a static charge for imaging, or facilitate the transfer of paint particles.


Do detergents conduct electricity?

Detergents in general do not conduct electricity. However, some detergent solutions might be able to conduct electricity if they contain electrolytes or other conductive substances.


What are three things metals can do?

Metals can conduct electricity, are malleable (can be hammered into thin sheets), and have a shiny appearance (luster).


What are the two things metal can conduct?

All metals conduct electricity.All metals conduct electricity.All metals conduct electricity.All metals conduct electricity.


What is a form of electricity that can attract things?

Static electricity is a form of electricity that can attract things. It occurs when there is an imbalance of electric charges on the surface of objects, causing them to be either positively or negatively charged. This imbalance can cause objects to attract or repel each other.


Name two things that conduct electricity?

Salt water and Utensil


Do different things conduct electricity better than others?

yes!