Electrostatics is the branch of physics that studies electric charges at rest. It involves understanding how charged objects interact with each other through electric fields. For example, when you rub a balloon on your hair, it becomes charged and can attract small pieces of paper due to the forces of electrostatics. This phenomenon is not just limited to everyday experiences; it plays a crucial role in various technologies, such as capacitors and photocopiers. The principles of electrostatics are essential for understanding more complex electrical systems and are foundational in the study of electricity and magnetism.