Why does static electiricity occur?

In various forms, like when we brush our hair-the hair tends to stand up, when walk with our feet close to the ground n touch somebody we get static, i know that one reason is b/c of the friction we produce energy, but how could this happen, humans aren't an electicrical cords or sockets??

Why does static electiricity occur?
Don't listen to all that physics stuff... It's when two people have a shocking encounter... Like when the stars collide and energy is released,





fasteddie...
Reply:I believe it happens when electrons jump from one atom to the next without sharing the electron. For every proton in an atom this is an electron, however there can be more or less electrons per proton, and that is how things become positivly or negativly charged. If an atom has less electrons than protons the atom is positvely charged, and if it has more it is negatively charged since electrons are negative and protons are positive.





It's when atoms or compounds of opposing electrical charges touch the electron jump, and an electrical spark is created. Materials can be forced to collect or looses too many electons causing matericals with positive and negative charges to exists though energy exerted on the object like from friction.
Reply:All matter contains electrons whhich are negatively charged particles. Normally all matter are neutral. But friction between two objects cause the electrons go from an object to another object which has great affinity for electrons. Hence that object gets negative charge wheras the other gets positive charge.
Reply:God made it that way so we can shock people when we walk across polyester carpet. God's got a great sense of humor.
Reply:Political guy is referring to partial charges. The atoms are not really positive or negatively charged, but they are charged relatively to the object which is in contact with your hair or any other substance which can have static electricity.
Reply:Certain materials like the rubber of your sole readily pick up electrons, thus giving your a charge. When you come into contact with another body the charge attempts to neutralize via an electric current. Other factors like dryness and material properties of the your immediate environment also come into play.