Question

How are electric charges produced by friction?

Answer 1

The frictional charging process results in a transfer of electrons between the two objects that are rubbed together. For example, if we rub rubber with animal fur, both these bodies become electrically charged. Rubber has a much greater attraction for electrons than animal fur. As a result, the atoms of rubber pull electrons from the atoms of animal fur, leaving both objects with an imbalance of charge. The rubber balloon has an excess of electrons and the animal fur has a shortage of electrons. Having an excess of electrons, the rubber balloon is charged negatively. Similarly, the shortage of electrons on the animal fur leaves it with a positive charge.