Generating static electricity

Rub a balloon against a woolen fabric or carpet. The electrons from the atoms of the balloon or carpet become excited with the frictional forces applied. They become so excited that they actually leap from the one surface to the other. This creates an imbalance of charge on both surfaces. The balloon and the carpet are made of non-conducting material which does not allow for the movement of the charged particles created. These charges therefore buildup until they become so great that they release into near by objects. The electrostatic jolt that we all have experienced in shopping centres is an excellent example of this phenomenon.