A static electricity mystery comes to the surface

A layer of carbon compounds determines the charging of identical materials

Two red orbs glow as blue lines of electricity zap between them

Static electricity, a charge buildup caused by rubbing or touching, is a poorly understood phenomenon, despite its prevalence.

Craig P. Jewell/Moment/Getty Images

This is a human-written story voiced by AI. Got feedback? Take our survey . (See our AI policy here .)