The transfer of electric charge between two objects when they are rubbed together is a phenomenon frequently observed with non-conductive materials. One material gains electrons, becoming negatively charged, while the other loses electrons, becoming positively charged. For instance, rubbing a glass rod with silk results in the glass becoming positively charged and the silk becoming negatively charged. The magnitude of the charge transferred depends on the materials involved and the amount of contact and friction.
This method of imparting an electrical charge is historically significant as one of the earliest observed manifestations of electricity. It provides a fundamental understanding of electrostatic phenomena and is crucial for comprehending the nature of electric charge and its interactions. The principles underlying this process are applicable in various domains, from understanding static electricity buildup to designing triboelectric nanogenerators.
