To understand static electricity, one has to know the basics of atoms. An atom has a nucleus consisting of Protons and Neutrons, and Electrons, which move around that core. Protons have positive (+) charge; Neutrons are neutral; and Electrons have negative (-) charge. Normally an atom has equal number of Protons and Electrons. In that condition it is without any charge. But sometimes the electrons migrate. This causes a reduction in the negative charge and the atom becomes positive. An atom thus charged is called an