Electricity is broadly classified into two main types based on the behavior of electric charges:
- Static Electricity
- It refers to the accumulation of electric charges at rest on the surface of an object
- Charges do not flow continuously
- Usually produced by friction between materials
Examples:
- Rubbing a balloon on dry hair
- Small sparks when touching metal after walking on carpet
- Current Electricity
- It refers to the continuous flow of electric charges (electrons) through a conductor
- Requires a closed circuit to flow
- This is the type of electricity used in homes and industries
Further classification of current electricity:
- Direct Current (DC):
- Flows in one direction only
- Example: Batteries, cells
- Alternating Current (AC):
- Changes direction periodically
- Example: Household power supply
Key difference:
- Static electricity → Charges at rest
- Current electricity → Charges in motion
In simple terms:
Electricity can either stay still (static) or flow through wires (current), and current electricity is what powers most devices.