static electricity means the increase of electric charge on the surface of objects. this electric charge remains on an object until it either flows into the ground, or loses its charge quickly by a discharge. charge exchange can happen in conditions like when different objects are rubbed and separated. a static charge will only remain when one of the surfaces has a high resistance to electrical flow. the effects of static electricity are familiar to most people because they can see, feel and even hear the spark. this spark happens when the excess charge is neutralized. this neutralization occurs when excess charge flows into an electrical conductor (for example a path to ground). other charge flow occurs when a charged object is near a region with an excess charge of the opposite polarity (positive or negative). the familiar phenomenon of a static 'shock' is caused by the neutralization of charge.