What is a characteristic of static electricity?

Static electricity is a phenomenon that occurs when there is an imbalance of electric charges within or on the surface of a material. It is primarily characterized by the accumulation of electric charge on an object, which often results from the contact and separation between different materials.

The correct choice is rooted in the properties of static electricity, which arises from the interaction between materials, especially as they are moved against each other. When two different materials come into contact, electrons can transfer from one material to another, creating charged surfaces. This process can be observed in everyday examples, such as rubbing a balloon on hair, where the friction causes the transfer of electrons, leading to a charged balloon.

In contrast to other forms of electricity, static electricity does not involve a continuous flow of charge, which is characteristic of electric current. It is important to note that while static charges can build up and lead to a spark or discharge when the potential difference is high enough, not every instance of static electricity results in a visible spark. The presence of sparks and the likelihood of discharge depend on factors such as humidity and the materials involved. Thus, option B highlights the nature of static electricity as caused by interactions during movement, making it the correct choice.