An electrical charge is a quantity of electrical energy that is held by an object such as a battery. It is a characteristic of some sub-atomic particles, and it can be a positive charge when it is referring to the charge held by protons, or a negative charge if it is referring to the charge held by electrons.
A quantity of charge is known as 'Q', and it is measured in Coulombs, which has the symbol 'C'. A Coulomb is defined as the total amount of electrical charge represented by one ampere of current passing a point in one second.
Positively or negatively charged objects generate electromagnetic fields, which exert an electromagnetic force on other electrically charged particles. It is the electromagnetic force that causes two particles with the same type of charge, either positive or negative, to repel each other. This same force causes objects with opposite charges to electromagnetically attract each other.
A static electrical charge involves a buildup of charge due to the flow of electrons from one object to another as they rub together. These objects are more likely to be made of insulating, or non-conducting material, as good conductors tend not to hold an electrical charge. A 'static shock' is caused by the sudden release of a charge that has built up in a person's body through contact with non-conductive surfaces.
