The motion of charged particles causes electrical effects, small shocks, lightning and sparks. Electrical fields cause forces to act on charged particles.
All matter consists of atoms. Atoms contain three types of smaller particles: protonSubatomic particle with a positive charge and a relative mass of 1. The relative charge of a proton is +1., neutronUncharged subatomic particle, with a mass of 1 relative to a proton. The relative charge of a neutron is 0. and electronSubatomic particle, with a negative charge and a negligible mass relative to protons and neutrons.. Of these three, both the protons and electrons are chargeProperty of matter that causes a force when near another charge. Charge comes in two forms, positive and negative. For example, a negative charge causes a repulsive force on a neighbouring negative charge..
Objects that are charged can affect other charged objects using the non-contact forceForce exerted between two objects, even when they are not touching, such as the force of gravity. of static electricityElectric charge that accumulates on an insulated object, for example because of friction..
Generally, the atom has a neutral charge, but if it loses an electron, it becomes positively charged and if the atom gains an electron, it becomes negatively charged. Charged atoms are called ions.