What does it mean when electricity is merely stored and at rest?

When electricity is described as being stored and at rest, it refers to static electricity. Static electricity is the accumulation of electric charge on the surface of an object, which typically occurs due to friction between two materials. Unlike dynamic electricity, which involves the flow of electric current through a conductor, static electricity is characterized by the presence of an electric charge that remains stationary until it is discharged, such as through a spark or grounding.

Static electricity is often noticed in everyday situations, such as when a person walks across a carpet and then touches a metal doorknob, resulting in a small shock. This phenomenon occurs because the person has accumulated electric charge while walking, and when they make contact with a conductor (the doorknob), the stored charge rapidly discharges. Understanding static electricity is vital as it can lead to electrical discharges that may cause damage to electronic components or create safety hazards in certain environments.

Other concepts, such as dynamic electricity and potential electricity, involve different aspects of electrical phenomena, with dynamic focusing on the movement of charges and potential referring to the electrical potential energy in an electric field.