3. Electrostatic phenomena and mechanisms involved

3.1 Where do electrostatic charges come from?

It is not our intention to describe the fundamental concepts governing electrostatics. Readers are encouraged to consult [D 1 035] and other general literature for such reminders. The basic mechanism of electrostatic electrification, or "triboelectricity", is the physical contact and mechanical separation that occurs in any movement between two bodies of different natures. Walking, for example, with the sole of the foot touching the ground, is the basic...