Electrons can be removed from some objects using friction, simply by rubbing one substance against another substance. There are many examples of objects becoming charged by friction, including a rubber comb through hair, and a balloon on a sweater. In both these instances, the electrons move from the second object to the first, causing the first object to become negatively charged and the second one positively charged. Friction between the tires on a moving car and the road cause the tires to become charged, and wind causes friction between clouds and air which causes clouds to become charged and can result in tremendous bolts of lightning.
Iris notices that while brushing her cat, especially on cold and dry days, she can hear a crackling sound. She also notices that after she is done brushing, her cat's hair stands on end and is attracted to the brush.
Before Iris brushes her cat, does her cat’s fur have an electrical charge?