What is described as an accumulation of electric charge on an insulated body?

The accumulation of electric charge on an insulated body is known as static electricity. This phenomenon occurs when there is an imbalance between positive and negative charges in objects, often caused by friction between materials. When materials come into contact and then separate, electrons may transfer from one surface to another, leading to an excess of electrons (negative charge) or a deficit (positive charge) on the surfaces.

Static electricity is crucial in various fields, including physics and engineering, and is often observed in everyday scenarios, such as when a charged balloon attracts small paper pieces or when you experience a shock after walking on a carpet. Understanding static electricity is essential for safety protocols in confined spaces and other environments, as it can lead to sparks that may ignite flammable materials, making awareness and mitigation strategies vital for safety.

Other terms, such as static friction, refer to the resistance to motion when an object is at rest, while electric potential relates to the potential energy per charge at a point in an electric field. Current flow describes the movement of electric charge through a conductor, which is a different concept altogether.