Electrostatics measure the instantaneous charge between two atoms. For examples see the pictures below. We rubbed balloons on our sweaters and on our hair to create static electricity. It is best to do this on a cold dry day so you may have to change the order of topics in your Physics instruction to get this demonstration done before Spring. Then we hung tape and yarn from rulers which extended beyond the edge of the table. The static electricity attracted the tape and yarn. We also applied tape to the table and ripped the tape off and hung it from a ruler. Repeat with another similar piece of tape and hang it close to the other one. They should repel because they have the same charge.
How is this static electricity created? You actually rip electrons off your hair or sweater when you rub with the balloon. Therefore the balloon takes on a negative charge. The tape rips electrons off the table and therefore the tape takes on a negative charge.
An atom has protons and neutrons in the nucleus. Electrons orbit the nucleus. To change the charge of an object you add or subtract electrons as we did above. The number of protons and neutrons does not change.
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