Electrical discharges occur when electricity flows through the air or another medium, often resulting in a sudden release of energy. This phenomenon can be seen in everyday occurrences like lightning, where a massive discharge of electricity occurs between clouds or between a cloud and the ground. Another common example is static electricity, which can cause small shocks when two objects come into contact and then separate. When the accumulated charge is released, it creates a brief electrical discharge. Both types of discharges illustrate the movement of electric charge and the potential energy stored in electrical systems.