The Atom

• There are 115 different atoms. All matter is made up of different combinations of these atoms. Atoms contain protons, electrons and neutrons. Protons have a positive charge, electrons a negative charge, and neutrons a neutral charge.
  
  

Charge Interaction

• Opposite charges attract one another, and like charges repel each other. The positive charge of a proton is equal in strength to the negative charge of an electron. Usually the charges are balanced in an object, giving it a neutral charge.
  
  

Ions

• The outer electrons of an atom are loosely held, and can travel from atom to atom. When an atom loses its electrons, it has more protons then electrons, giving the atom a positive charge. A positively charged atom is called an ion.
  
  

Excess Charges

• The charges build up until they can be released. You build up a charge by rubbing your feet on the carpet. Completing a circuit by touching a grounded object will release the charges, giving you a little shock. When you rub a balloon on your hair, you are giving it a surplus of electrons. A wall will have an opposite charge, causing them to attract one another and allowing the balloon to stick to the wall.