Electrostatics is the study of electric charges at rest. It involves understanding how charged objects interact with each other through forces of attraction or repulsion. These forces arise from the presence of electric charges, which can be positive or negative. Common examples include static electricity, where a buildup of charge can cause shocks or make hair stand on end. In everyday life, electrostatic phenomena can be observed in various situations, such as when rubbing a balloon on your hair or when clothes cling together after being in the dryer. The principles of electrostatics are essential in fields like physics, engineering, and electronics.