Physics
Electrostatics
Quick fact
The static charge from a doorknob shock can reach over 10,000 volts, but because the current is extremely low, it is usually harmless.
Why this is interesting
Ever wonder why a rubbed balloon sticks to a wall, or why you get a shock when touching a doorknob on a dry winter day? That invisible force is the magic of electrostatics—the study of stationary electric charges and the surprising effects they can create.