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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?

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