In a Flash

With a strong enough magnet, you can lift a car.

Magnets and electricity

Magnets are different to other objects. In magnets, the electrons in atoms at one end all spin in one
direction, and those in atoms at the other end all spin the opposite way. This creates a force of
energy around the magnet, called a magnetic field.

Burning Questions

You can turn a piece of iron into a magnet.

What causes a magnetic field?
In most objects, all the atoms inside are balanced - this means half of their electrons spin one way,
and half spin the other way. These atoms are spaced randomly in the object.

But magnets are different creatures! Inside a magnet, the atoms at one end contain electrons that all
spin in one direction - meanwhile the atoms at the other end contain electrons that all spin in the
opposite direction.

Rather than spinning in a balanced way, the electrons all line up. This is what creates the magnetic
field around the magnet.

What are the North and South Pole of a magnet?

The North (N) and South (S) Pole of a magnet are the names given to each end of the magnet. The
force of the magnetic field flows from its North Pole to its South Pole.

Try it yourself: Hold two magnets close to each other. You’ll find that if you try to push the two
North Poles or the two South Poles together, they resist and repel each other. But if you put the
North Pole near the South Pole, they attract each other and pull together.

Magnets can create energy.

Can you make electricity from magnets?

Yep, just as we can make magnets from electricity, we can also use magnets to make electricity.
Here’s how it works:
 A magnetic field pulls and pushes electrons in certain objects closer to them, making them
move.

 Metals like copper have electrons that are easily moved from their orbits.

 If you move a magnet quickly through a coil of copper wire, the electrons will move - this
produces electricity.

What Do You Mean?

2 min, 17 sec
How to Make Electromagnet Experiment - HooplaKidzLab

Magnetic fields are areas where an object exerts a magnetic influence (think of it like an invisible
field of magnetism).

The North Pole and South Pole are the two ends of a magnet. The North and South Poles of two
magnets attract each other, but two Norths or two Souths will repel each other.

Cool Facts
If you cut a bar magnet in half, you get two new smaller magnets which each
have their own North and South Pole.
Speedy Summary

A compass is essentially a magnet that is free to move.

The arrangement of atoms and the direction of their spinning electrons is different in magnets to
other objects. As half a magnet’s atoms have electrons spinning in one direction, and the other half
have electrons spinning in the other direction, a magnetic field is created around the magnet.

https://www.solarschools.net/knowledge-bank/energy/electricity/magnets

How to Make Electricity from

Magnetism- Electromagnetic Induction
Moving a coil across a magnetic field will produce a current (see image below) .This is called
electromagnetic induction. The direction of the current depends on how the coil is moved. The
current produced in called the induced current.
Electromagentic current is key to how a transformers, generator elecgtric motors and solenoids
works. Michael Faraday is generally credited with the discovery of induction in 1831. He formulated
the elecromotive force (EMF) produced around a closed path is proportional to the rate of the
change in magnetic flux by any surface bounded by that path -- (simplify this). This means that an
electric current will be induced in any circuit when the magnetic flux through a surface by the
conductor changes. This applies whether the field itself changes in trength or the conductors is
moved through it.
The Generator
An important application from electromagnetic induction is the generator. A generator is a device
that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy (see types of energy). Generators in power
plants are responsible for producing 99% (check this) of energy used in the united states.A simple
generator is composed of a loop of wire located between the poles of a magnet. The loop is attached
to a rod or axle that can rotate. When the loop of wire is rotated or cuts through the magnetic field
lines a current of electricity is induced. As the loop of wire continues to rotate there will be a point
where the wire is parrallel to the lines of force of the magnetic field. At this point no current is
produced. Further rotation moves the loop to a position where the lines of force are cut in the
opposite direction. This will cause the direction of current to flow in the opposite direction.Since the
direction of current changes with each rotation of the loop the current in called Alternating Current
(AC) --
Need a few images on this page.
why 120 times/second change in AC?
What is a transformer?
A transformer is a device that increases or decreases voltage of alternating current. The current in
one coil induces a current in another coil.
A transformer consists of two coils (one coil is the primary coil the other is the secondary coil)
wrapped around a metal core. (see images ---) When an alternating current passes through the
primary coil and magnetic field in induced -- electromagnetic induction causes a current to flow in the
secondary coil. If the number of loops of wire is the same in both coils the induced voltage will be the
same in the secondary coil. If the number of loops in the secondary coil are greater than the primary
coil the voltage will be greater in the secondary coil. This is an example of a step up transformer. 

Properties of Magnets
What is Magnetism?
Magnetism is a physical property produced by the motion of electric charge, resulting in attractive
and repulsive forces between objects. All magnets have two ends where its magnetic effects are
strongest. These regions are called the poles of the magnets. When two magnets are brought near
each other they exert forces on each othe. Magnetic forces behave like electric forces involving
attraction and repulsion. Magnetic poles always appear in pairs. If a magnet is cut in half each piece
will still have a north and south pole.
What is the unit of magnetic field?

The term 'magnetic field' is used for two distinct but closely related fields denoted by the symbols B
and H. In the International System of Units, H is measured in units of amperes per meter and B is
measured in teslas or newtons per meter per ampere.

 
Where does magnetism come from?
All atoms are made up of a nucleus made of protons and neutrons which are held together tightly by
a strong force and electrons which are thought of as revolving around the nucleus bound by an
electric force. The electrons also rotates or spins around its own axis.The spinning of electron
produce a magnetic dipole. This is one of fundamental properties of an electron that it has a
magnetic dipole moment, i.e., it behaves like a tiny magnet. See image below.
 

 
If the majority of electrons in the atom spins in the same direction, a strong magnetic field is
produced. The direction of the electrons spin determines the direction of magnetic field. If the same
number of electrons in the atom spins in opposite directions, the electron spins will cancels out.
Thus, the magnetism will also be cancelled.
What is Ferromagnetism?
Ferromagnetism is the basic mechanism by which certain materials (such as iron) form permanent
magnets, or are attracted to magnets. In physics, several different types of magnetism are
distinguished. Ferromagnetism is the strongest type: it is the only one that typically creates forces
strong enough to be felt, and is responsible for the common phenomena of magnetism in magnets
encountered in everyday life.

Ferromagnetic materials such as soft iron are easily magnetized if you bring an iron nail close to the
magnet and stroke it in the same direction then they can retain their magnetism even after removed
from the magnet.

 
What is a Magnetic field?
The region that magnetic forces act is called a magnetic field.

A magnetic field is represented by lines of force extending from one pole of a magnet to the other
pole. In everyday life, magnetic fields are most often encountered as a force created by permanent
magnets, which pull on ferromagnetic materials such as iron, cobalt, or nickel, and attract or repel
other magnets.
Above image shows the lines of force between two magnets Right image shows force of repulsion
between two north poles. Left image shows lines of attractive forces between the north and south
poles of magnets.
What is a magnetic domain?
You can think of a magnetic domain as a tiny magnet with a north pole and south pole. The
properties of these magnets as stated above is due to the action of the spinning electrons in atoms.
Groups of atoms join in such a way that their magnetic fields are all arranged in the same direction.
The region in which magnetic fields of individual atoms are lined up in the same direction is called
a magnetic domain. All materials are made up of many magnetic domains. In unmagnetized
materials the domains are randomly aligned in different directions and cancel each other out.
Material from Unmagnetized Material

In a magnet all the domains are oriented in the same direction. In the case of a nail, the domains can
be aligned in the same direction causing the nail to become magnetic.When a ferromagnetic
material is placed in a strong magnetic field it causes all the domains to line up and produce a strong
magnetic field. This explains how a magnet can pick up a group of iron paper clips. The magnet
aligns all the domains in the paper clip creating tiny magnets within the paper clip. When the magnet
is removed the domains return to their random state.
Material from Magnetized Material
Even a strong magnet can be demagnetized if the domains are disrupted by force or heat.

How do Transformers Work?

What is Electromagnetic Induction?
If magnetism can be produced from electricity it was hypothesized by Faraday that electricity can be
produced by magnetism. Faraday used an apparatus consisting of soft iron core similar to that
shown below. The coil on the left was connected to a battery and the coil on the right was connected
to a galvanometer. When the current flows through the left coil connected to the battery a magnetic
field is produced. The strength of the magnetic field is increased by the iron core. Although Faraday
was not able to produce a current in the left wire, but strangely he noticed that current was produced
when the current changed. Faraday concluded that although a steady magnetic field produced no
electric current, a change in magnetic field did produce a current. Such a current is called
an induced current. The process by which a current is produced by changes in magnetic fields is
called electromagnetic induction.
 
Note: Electromagnetic Induction was discover independently by Michael Faraday and Joseph Henry
in 1831. The relationship between between electromotive force EMF (voltage) and magnetic flux was
formalized in an equation now referred to as Faradays law of induction
How transformers work
A transformer is a device that increases or decreases voltage of alternating current. The current in
one coil induces a current in another coil.
A transformer consists of two coils (one coil is the primary coil the other is the secondary coil)
wrapped around a metal core. (see images ---) When an alternating current passes through the
primary coil and magnetic field in induced -- electromagnetic induction causes a current to flow in the
secondary coil. If the number of loops of wire is the same in both coils the induced voltage will be the
same in the secondary coil. If the number of loops in the secondary coil are greater than the primary
coil the voltage will be greater in the secondary coil. This is an example of a step up transformer.
How the number of loops affect voltage?
If the number of loops in the secondary coil is less than the primary than the voltage will be less. The
is called a step down transformer.
STEP DOWN TRANSFORM 10 COILS TO 2 COILS 5:1 VOLTS

If the number of loops in the secondary coil is more than the primary than the voltage will be more .
The is called a step up transformer.
STEP UP TRANSFORMER 2 COILS TO 10 COILS 1:5 VOLTS

 
Why transformers are important in transmission of electricity.
Step up transformers are used by companies during the transmission of electricity over power lines.
Companies then use step down transformers to create the 120v used in homes. Step up
transformers are also used in home television sets where high voltage is needed. Step down
transformers are also used in radios and computers and calculators
How does a Motor Work?
Previously it was previously demonstrated that an electric current flowing through a wire gives rise to
a magnetic field whose direction relies on the direction of the current.See magnetism from electricity.
It can also be demostrated that a magnetic force exerts a force on a wire carrying current. Pass a
wire through a magnet as shown below and attach to a batter (Direct Cureent)y. A force in the down
direction will force the wire to be pulled down.
A FORCE ACTS ON A WIRE IN A MAGNETIC FIELD

 
SIMPLE MOTOR LOOP SCHEMATIC
If we now insert a loop instead of a wire between a magnetic field (see image below), the left side o
the loop will be pulled dowh and the right side will be pushed up. But as long as the direction of the
current stays the same the loop will not rotate-- it will just line up with the magnetic field of the
magnet. To get the loop to rotate we need to get the current to constantly switch direction. If an AC
(alternating current is applied instead of DC the wire loop would rotate.
 
 
SIMPLE MOTOR LOOP SCHEMATIC WITH COMMUTATOR

There is a way however to get the loop to rotate using DC (Direct Current). By adding the "split"
commutator the direction of the current in the coil will reverse every half turn and provides the
conditions necessary to keep the coil in constant rotation.
 
DC ELECTRIC MOTOR
 
In the simple motor shown above the current in the rotating coil is reversed every half-turn by an
automatic switching arrangement consisting of a split metal ring called a commutator. The rotating
part of the motor is called the armature and consists of a coil with many turns of wire. The armature
is mounted on an axis between two fixed magnetic poles. Each end of the armature is attached to
one end of the commutator (see red arrows). Current enters the commutator via one brush
connected to a battery. Current leaves the armature via the second brush which is in contact with the
other half of the commutator. Since the brushes are fixed when the ommutator rotate , each brush is
in contact with one half of the commutator during one half-turn and with the opposite half or the
commutator during the second half-turn. As a result, the current in the armature reverses its direction
every half turn and provides the condtions necessary to keep the armature rotating

Earth's Magnetic Field

What is the Earth's Magnetic Field?
Earth's magnetic field, also known as the geomagnetic field, is the magnetic field that extends from
the Earth's interior out into space. In space the earths magnetic field meets the solar wind which is a
stream of charged particles mainly a mixture of materials found in the solar plasma, composed
primarily of ionized hydrogen (electrons and protons) that emanate from the Sun. The magnitude of
the Earth's magnetic field at the surface ranges from 25 to 65 microteslas (0.25 to 0.65 gauss).
The Earth's magnetic field (magnetic dipole) is currently tilted at an angle of about 10 degrees with
respect to Earth's rotational axis, It is as if there were a bar magnet placed at that angle at the center
of the Earth. The North geomagnetic pole, would be located near Greenland in the northern
hemisphere, is actually the south pole of the Earth's magnetic field, and the South geomagnetic pole
is the north pole. Why is the north pole of the earth actually the south magnetic pole? The north pole
of a compass points to the North Pole of the Earth. Since unlike poles attract, this actually means
that our north pole is really the south magnetic pole.

A drawing of the Earths Magnetic Field (credit Peter Reid 2009)

What causes the Earth's Magnetic Field
Earth's magnetic field is created by the turbulent motion of electrically conductive fluid, most of which
is iron. However, since these interactions occur deep within the Earth, measuring and observing
them directly is almost impossible. Scientists are pretty sure that the reason Earth has a magnetic
field is because its solid iron core is surrounded by a fluid ocean of hot, liquid metal. So while parts
of Earth's outer core are too deep for scientists to measure directly, we can infer movement in the
core by observing changes in the magnetic field.
Why does Earth's Magnet Field Change Direction?
The last geomagnetic reversal for Earth was about 780,000 years ago. The historic reversal rate for
Earth seems to be once every few hundred thousand years, but it has varied widely; on at least two
occasions, the field has maintained one polarity for tens of millions of years. . "The Earth's magnetic
field is thought to be generated by fluid motions in the liquid, outer part of the Earth's core, which is
mainly composed of iron. The reversal process is not literally 'periodic' as it is on the sun, whose
magnetic field reverses every 11 years. Why is this so?
There are actually two magnetic fields within the earth --There is also a weaker field spread around
the planet, not positioned along the north-south axis. The researchers suggest this weak field is
created closer to the surface of Earth's outer core, while the stronger north-south field is produced
throughout the core, including the deepest parts. Both fields are thought to result from the movement
of electrons from hot iron atoms in the convective flow of the core, which is more of a liquid than a
solid. The movement of the charged particles through the planet creates a magnetic field just as the
movement of an electric current through a wire does.
What happens when a charged particle enters a Magnetic Field
When a charged particle enters an electric field a force is exerted on the charge. What happens
when a charged particle enters a magnetic field. There are many factors involved here including the
direction in which the charged particle is moving. " if a charged particle moves in the same direction
as a magneticed field, no force is eserted on it. If a charged particle moves at an angle to the
magnetic field, the magnetic force acting on i will cause it to move in a spiral around the magnetic
field lines.
What are the Solar Winds

..."Disturbances in the solar wind shake the Earth's magnetic field and pump energy into the
radiation belts. Regions on the surface of the Sun often flare and give off ultraviolet light and x-rays
that heat up the Earth's upper atmosphere. This "Space Weather" can change the orbits of satellites
and shorten mission lifetimes..." Image from NASA
As previously point out the solar wind is a stream of charged particles mainly a mixture of materials
found in the solar plasma, composed primarily of ionized hydrogen (electrons and protons) that
emanate from the Sun. These particles move through the solar system at speeds of 300 to 1000
kilometers/second. If the amount of solar radiation released from the sun reched earths surface life
as we know it would not be able to exist. These charged particles are however deflected from the
Earth' surface by the Earth's magnetic field. With the magnetic field these charged particles would
strip away the ozone level which protects the earth from harmful unltraviolet radiation.
How the Earth's Magnetic Field Deflects the Solar Winds
The region in which the Earth's magnetic field is found is called the magnetosphere.
image of bar maget and of magnetosphere. here
If there were no solar winds the force field lines magnetosphere would look much like a bar magnet.
However on the side of the earth that faces away from the sun the magnetosphere is blown away
into a long tail by the solar winds. The manetosphere constantly changes as the Earth rotates.
What are the Van Allen Belts?
There are times that particles enter into the magnetic fields of the earth. But the particles are still
forced to apiral around the magnetic field lines.

Source: The Van Allen Probes (formerly Radiation Belt Storm Probes - RBSP) Explore the Earth's
Radiation Belts
These trapped particles move between the north and south poles. These charged particles are
generally found in two large areas known as the Van Allen Belt. If these charged particles get too
close to the Earth's surface they will interact with atoms in the atmosphere causing release of light.
The glowing regions is called an aurora. Auroras are most commonly seen near the poles sine this is
the location that the aprticles are closest the Earth's surface. The aurora in the north hemisphere is
called the aurora borealis, in the south hemisphere the auroras are referred to as aurora australis.
Magnetorecption - Can Pigeons Sense the Earth's Magnetic Field?
Magnetoreception is a sense which allows an organism to detect a magnetic fields direction, altitude
or location. This sensory modality is used by a range of animals for orientation and navigation, and
as a method for animals to develop regional maps. For the purpose of navigation, magnetoreception
deals with the detection of the Earth's magnetic field. Magnetoreception is present in bacteria,
arthropods, molluscs and members of all major taxonomic groups of vertebrates. Humans are not
thought to have a magnetic sense -- but a protein cryptochrome---
see Cryptochrome and Magnetic Sensing--
..."The question remains as to where, physically, this radical pair reaction would take place. It has
been suggested that the radical pair reaction linked to the avian compass arises in the protein
cryptochrome. Cryptochrome is a signaling protein found in a wide variety of plants and animals, and
is highly homologous to DNA photolyase. There is some evidence that retinal cryptochromes may be
involved in the avian magnetic sense..."see above reference.
Animals such as birds, turtles and even cows appear to be able to detect the earth's magnetic field.
Birds can use the earths magnetic to navigate migration This is demonstrated during migration in
where bird use the earths magentic field to help in navigation.
An unequivocal demonstration of the use of magnetic fields for orientation within an organism has
been in a class of bacteria known as magnetotactic bacteria. These bacteria demonstrate a
behavioural phenomenon known as magnetotaxis, in which the bacterium orients itself and migrates
in the direction along the Earth's magnetic field lines. The bacteria contain magnetosomes, which
are nanometer-sized particles of magnetite or iron sulfide enclosed within the bacterial cells.[3] The
magnetosomes are surrounded by a membrane composed of phospholipids and fatty acids and
contain at least 20 different proteins [4] They form in chains where the moments of each
magnetosome align in parallel, causing each bacterium cell to essentially act as a magnetic dipole,
giving the bacteria their permanent-magnet characteristics.
For animals the mechanism for magnetoreception is unknown, but there exist two main hypotheses
to explain the phenomenon. According to one model, cryptochrome, when exposed to blue light,
becomes activated to form a pair of radicals[6][7] (molecules with a single unpaired electron) where
the spins of the two unpaired electrons are correlated. The surrounding magnetic field affects the
dynamics of this correlation (parallel or anti-parallel), and this in turn affects the length of
time cryptochrome stays in its activated state. Activation of cryptochrome may affect the light-
sensitivity of retinal neurons, with the overall result that the bird can see the color phase shift caused
by the magnetic field. The Earth's magnetic field is only 0.5 Gauss and so it is difficult to conceive of
a mechanism, other than phase shift, by which such a field could lead to any chemical changes
other than those affecting the weak magnetic fields between radical pairs. Cryptochromes are
therefore thought to be essential for the light-dependent ability of the fruit fly Drosophila
melanogaster to sense magnetic fields.
The second proposed model for magnetoreception relies on Fe3O4, also referred to as iron (II, III)
oxide or magnetite, a natural oxide with strong magnetism. Iron (II, III) oxide remains permanently
magnetized when its length is larger than 50 nm and becomes magnetized when exposed to a
magnetic field if its length is less than 50 nm. In both of these situations the Earth's magnetic field
leads to a transducible signal via a physical effect on this magnetically sensitive oxide. (Source:
Wikipedia)
See also: Cryptochrome protein helps birds navigate via magnetic field
There have been two mechanisms implicated in homing pigeon magnetoreception : the visually
mediated free-radical pair mechanism and a magnetite based directional compass or inclination
compass. More recent behavioral tests have shown that pigeons are able to detect magnetic
anomalies of 186 microtesla (1.86 Gauss).(wikipedia)
Study sheds light on How Birds Navigate by Magnetic Fields
Neural Correlates of a Magnetic Sense
Abstract: "...Abstract
Many animals rely on the Earth's magnetic field for spatial orientation and navigation. However, how
the brain receives and interprets magnetic field information is unknown. Support for the existence of
magnetic receptors in the vertebrate retina, beak, nose, and inner ear has been proposed and
immediate gene expression markers have identified several brain regions activated by magnetic
stimulation, but the central neural mechanisms underlying magnetoreception remain unknown. Here,
we describe neuronal responses in the pigeon's brainstem that show how single cells encode
magnetic field direction, intensity, and polarity—qualities that are necessary to derive an internal
model representing directional heading and geosurface location. Our findings demonstrate a neural
substrate for a vertebrate magnetic sense..."
..Wu and Dickman have found cells in the pigeon brain that are tuned to specific directions of the
magnetic field."..
They identified a group of cells in the brainstem of pigeons that record both the direction and the
strength of the magnetic field. And they have good, but not conclusive, evidence to suggest that the
information these cells are recording is coming from the bird's inner ear. Dr. Dickman said this
research "is still something we want to pursue."
See: The secret of how pigeons find their way: Magnetic proteins in their EYES act like a
compass...and humans have them to0 (2015)
A magnetic protein biocompass - Nature Materials full article here...The notion that animals can
detect the Earth's magnetic field was once ridiculed, but is now well established. Yet thebiological
nature of such magnetosensing phenomenon remains unknown. Here, we report a putative
magnetic receptor(Drosophila CG8198, here named MagR) and a multimeric magnetosensing rod-
like protein complex, identified by theoreticalpostulation and genome-wide screening, and validated
with cellular, biochemical, structural and biophysical methods.The magnetosensing complex consists
of the identified putative magnetoreceptor and known magnetoreception-relatedphotoreceptor
cryptochromes (Cry), has the attributes of both Cry- and iron-based systems, and exhibits
spontaneousalignment in magnetic fields, including that of the Earth. Such a protein complex may
form the basis of magnetoreceptionin animals, and may lead to applications across multiple fields
Biomagnetism
Biomagnetism is the phenomenon where magnetic fields are produced by the living things,
especially by the human body; (different from magnetic fields applied to the body, called
magnetobiology). The body's magnetic fields are very weak, and are measured with the sensitive
detector called a SQUID (superconducting quantum interference device), usually in a magnetically
shielded room, which excludes most external disturbances. Thus, Biomagnetism is a promising new
window into the human body generally, and into the brain, in particular.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
How does it work.. from nih source below--- MRIs employ powerful magnets which produce a strong
magnetic field that forces protons in the body to align with that field. When a radiofrequency current
is then pulsed through the patient, the protons are stimulated, and spin out of equilibrium, straining
against the pull of the magnetic field. When the radiofrequency field is turned off, the MRI sensors
are able to detect the energy released as the protons realign with the magnetic field. The time it
takes for the protons to realign with the magnetic field, as well as the amount of energy released,
changes depending on the environment and the chemical nature of the molecules. Physicians are
able to tell the difference between various types of tissues based on these magnetic properties.

Source: NIH Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Human Connectome Project - Mapping the human brain is one of the great scientific challenges of
the 21st century. The Human Connectome Project (HCP) is tackling a key aspect of this challenge
by elucidating the neural pathways that underlie brain function and behavior.
What is static electricity and what
causes it?
Everyone has experienced static electricity. Examples include: when you see a spark in the mirror
combing your hair, or you touch a door knob after walking on a rug in winter. The spark you see is
static electricity 'discharging. So why is it called static electricity? It's called "static" because the
charges remain separated in one area rather than moving or "flowing" to another area as is the case
of electricity flowing in a wire-- called current electricity.
Static electricity has been known as far back as the ancient Greeks that things could be given a
static electric "charge" (a buildup of static) simply by rubbing them, but they had no idea that the
same energy could be used to generate light or power machines. It was Benjamin Franklin that
helped bring electricity to the forefront. He believed electricity could be harnessed from lightning.

What exactly is static electricity?

Static electricity is basically an imbalance of electric charges within or on the surface of a material.
The charge remains until it is"discharged". A static electric charge can be created whenever two
surfaces contact and separate, and at least one of the surfaces has a high resistance to electric
current (and is therefore an electrical insulator). The familiar spark one sees of a static shock–more
specifically, is an electrostatic discharge– caused by the neutralization of charge.

Where is that charge coming from?

We know that all objects are made up of atoms and atoms are composed of protons, electrons and
neutrons. The protons are positively charged, the electrons are negatively charged, and the neutrons
are neutral. Therefore, all things are made up of charges. Opposite charges attract each other
(negative to positive). Like charges repel each other (positive to positive or negative to negative).
Most of the time positive and negative charges are balanced in an object, which makes that object
neutral as is the case of molecules.
Static electricity is the result of an imbalance between negative and positive charges in an object.
These charges can build up on the surface of an object until they find a way to be released or
discharged. Rubbing certain materials against one another can transfer negative charges, or
electrons. For example, if you rub your shoe on the carpet, your body collects extra electrons from
the rug. The electrons cling to your body until they can be released as the case when you touch a
metal door handle.
"... The phenomenon of static electricity requires a separation of positive and negative charges.
When two materials are in contact, electrons may move from one material to the other, which leaves
an excess of positive charge on one material, and an equal negative charge on the other. When the
materials are separated they retain this charge imbalance..."
Why does your hair stand-up when removing you hat?
As you remove your hat, electrons are transferred from hat to hair-- why does you hair stand up?
Since objects with the same charge repel each other .As hair gains more electrons they will have the
same charge and your hair will stand on end. Your hairs are simply trying to get as far away from
each other as possible!
What is the Triboelectric Effect?
The triboelectric effect is a type of contact electrification in which certain materials become
electrically charged after coming into contact with another different material, and are then separated.
Most everyday static electricity is triboelectric. The polarity and strength of the charges produced
differ according to the materials, surface roughness, temperature, strain, and other properties.
The triboelectric effect is now considered to be related to the phenomenon of adhesion, where two
materials composed of different molecules tend to stick together because of attraction between the
different molecules. Chemical adhesion occurs when the surface atoms of two separate surfaces
form ionic, covalent, or hydrogen bonds under these conditions there is an exchange of electrons
between the different types of molecules, resulting in an electrostatic attraction between the
molecules that holds them together.
Depending on the triboelectric properties of the materials, one material may "capture" some of the
electrons from the other material. If the two materials are now separated from each other, a charge
imbalance will occur.
Examples of Triboelectric Series that give up electrons:
POSITIVE CHARGE - Dry human skin > leather > rabbit fur > glass > hair > nylon > wool > lead >
silk> aluminum > paper LEAST POSITIVE CHARGE
Examples of Triboelectric Series that give up electrons:
NEGATIVE CHARGE - teflon > silicon > PVC > scotch tape > saran wrap > styrofoam > polyester >
gold > nickel > rubber - LEAST NEGATIVE CHARGE

How to Create Static Electricity using a Van de Graaf

Generator
A Van de Graaff generator is an electrostatic generator which uses a moving belt to accumulate
electric charge on a hollow metal globe on the top of an insulated column. This can create very high
electric potentials. It produces very high voltage direct current (DC) electricity at low current levels. It
was invented by American physicist Robert J. Van de Graaff in 1929. (See Reference below in
Scientific American) The potential difference achieved in modern Van de Graaff generators can
reach 5 megavolts. A tabletop version can produce on the order of 100,000 volts and can store
enough energy to produce a visible spark. Small Van de Graaff machines are produced for
entertainment, and in physics classrooms to teach electrostatics.
https://www.edinformatics.com/math_science/nature-of-magnets.html