Question

Write the differences between static electricity and electric current.

Answer 1

Hint : Electricity is a phenomenon in itself involving the movement of electrons. Static charge is formed due to the static collection of charge on the surface of an object while an electric current is due to the constant flow of electrons in a wire.

Complete step by step answer

Topic	Static Electricity	Electric current
Causes	Electricity is built upon the surface of an object due to the separation of charges mainly nearly the surface of the object.	The electric current is due to the flow of electrons in a current-carrying cable.
Material	The static electricity develops both in the conductor and insulator since the charge is separated only on the surface of the object.	Electric current flows only in the conductor since it requires the movement of free electrons.
Magnetic Field	Does not create a magnetic field around the object which possesses static electricity.	A current-carrying current always generates a magnetic field around it.
Time period	Exists for a short period of time as the charge is uniformly redistributed over the surface by itself in a short amount of time	Exists for usually a long time as long as we provide the current-carrying cable with the points that have a potential difference between them.
Examples	Static electricity discharges happen in lightning when we rub a comb with a nylon cloth etc.	Electric current is used to power many of our days today appliances and machines that we use. It flows in the plug outlets that we use.

Note
Static electricity is generated due to the static position of charges that are separated on an object by rubbing it while electricity is generated by a flow of electrons between two points having a potential difference between them. In both kinds of electricity, it is mainly the contribution of the electron’s negative charge which causes the current to flow.