electrostatics

American  

[ih-lek-truh-stat-iks] / ɪˌlɛk trəˈstæt ɪks /

noun

(used with a singular verb)

1. the branch of physics dealing with electric phenomena not associated with electricity in motion.

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electrostatics British  

/ ɪˌlɛktrəʊˈstætɪks /

noun

1. (functioning as singular) the branch of physics concerned with static charges and the electrostatic field

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Etymology

Origin of electrostatics

First recorded in 1820–30; electro- + statics

Example Sentences

"Our findings suggest that, without electrostatics, it would make no sense for this jumping predatory behavior to have evolved in these worms," Ran says.

From Science Daily • Oct. 15, 2025

For benzene derivatives, substituent effects generally follow the trends expected on the basis of electrostatics, with increasingly electron-withdrawing substituents contributing to an enhanced positive electrostatic potential above and below the π face, strengthening the interaction.

From Nature • Mar. 28, 2017

In addition to research using equipment such as a Van de Graaff generator, many practical applications of electrostatics exist, including photocopiers, laser printers, ink-jet printers and electrostatic air filters.

From Textbooks • Aug. 12, 2015

Perhaps Coulomb would have received it for his law of electrostatics, formulated in 1798 and Benjamin Franklin might even have received it for demonstrating that lightning is a form of electricity.

From Scientific American • Apr. 16, 2014

To every proposition in electrostatics there is thus a corresponding one in the hydrokinetic theory of incompressible liquids.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 3 "Electrostatics" to "Engis" by Various