Atomic Structure Sparks Static Electricity Matter is built from atoms composed of protons, neutrons, and electrons, with the nucleus housing protons and neutrons and electrons orbiting in shells. The balance between electrons and protons ensures electrical neutrality, but removing or adding electrons creates a net charge. Rubbing a balloon transfers electrons, producing a negative charge that induces a shift in a nearby conductive can’s charges, exemplifying static electricity through attraction.
Voltage, Energy, and Electrostatic Applications Charge is measured in coulombs and energy in joules, with voltage defined as the joule per coulomb between two points. Moving charges in an electric field demonstrates that while potential energy depends on charge quantity, the voltage remains consistent as the energy-to-charge ratio. Natural phenomena like lightning and engineered methods such as electrostatic soot removal and powder coating highlight electricity’s dual role as both a hazard and a powerful industrial tool.