News Physics

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

By Emily Conover

DENVER — Static electricity is a touchy subject.

Touch or rub two materials together, and they can exchange electric charge. But the details behind the phenomenon of static electricity are poorly understood.