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Electrostatics (also known as Static Electricity) is the branch of physics that deals with the forces exerted by a static (i.e. unchanging) electric field upon charged objects. Electrostatics involves the build-up of charge in objects due to contact between (generally) non-conductive surfaces. These charges are generally built up through the flow of electrons from one object to another. These charges then remain in the object until a force is exerted that causes the charges to balance e.g. the familiar phenomenon of a static 'shock' is caused by the neutralization of charge built up in the body from contact with non-conductive surfaces.