The negative charges or electrons separate to the bottom of the thunderstorm, positive to the top. As these electrons zigzag down, known as a "stepped leader", it draws up a positive charge from ...

Background When one object is rubbed against another, static electricity can be created. This is because the rubbing creates a negative charge that is carried by electrons.

When the plastic strip is rubbed on the skin, electrons from the skin are transferred to the plastic giving the plastic a negative charge. When the plastic is moved near the desk, electrons in the ...