Which of the following can be considered a source of static electricity?

Lightning is a well-known and dramatic source of static electricity. It occurs when there is an imbalance of electrical charges within clouds or between clouds and the ground. As the charges build up, they create a potential difference that can result in a lightning strike, which is essentially a discharge of static electricity that equalizes these charges.

The process involves the separation of positive and negative charges within the atmosphere, often due to movement of air currents and water droplets. When the difference in charge becomes large enough, the air cannot insulate against it anymore, and a powerful discharge occurs, resulting in lightning. This phenomenon is a classic example of static electricity on a grand scale.

In contrast, while circuit breakers, resistors, and capacitors do deal with electrical energy and can store or control electrical charge, they primarily function in active electrical circuits rather than as sources of static electricity. They are designed to manage current flow and voltage, whereas static electricity typically refers to the buildup of electric charge that is not moving through a conductor.