What is static electricity? By Ron Kurtus (revised January 23, 2009) Static electricity is the accumulation of electrical charges on the surface of an object or material. Static electricity is typically created when materials are separated or rubbed together, causing positive (+) charges to build up on one material and negative (-) charges on the other surface. The results of static electricity can be sparks, shocks, or materials sticking together. Use of Static Electricity • Photocopy: Photocopiers use static electricity to attract ink to areas where we need to copy information. It uses fillers to apply ink only to areas where the copy paper is darker and not where the paper is white. This process is called xerography. • Automotive paint: To ensure that a car's paint is uniform and will withstand high speeds and weather to protect the metal interior of the car, it is applied with a static charge. The metal body of the car is immersed in a substance that charges it positively, and the paint is negatively charged with the paint sprayer. How to measure electricity...