What causes static electricity, and why does it shock us?

Static electricity happens when tiny particles called electrons move from one object to another, like when you rub your feet on a carpet and then touch a doorknob.

When you walk across the carpet, your shoes rub against the carpet, and this makes some of the tiny particles (electrons) jump from the carpet to your body. Your body now has an extra bunch of electrons, like having too many toys in your backpack.

When you touch something like a doorknob, which doesn’t have extra electrons, those extra electrons rush back really fast. This quick movement is what causes that little zing or shock you feel. It’s like when you pour all your toys out of your backpack at once, it's sudden and exciting!

Sometimes the shock feels like a tiny lightning bolt, just not as big!