Which of the following is NOT associated with static electricity?

Static electricity refers to the accumulation of electric charge on the surface of objects, which can occur when materials are rubbed against each other, leading to an imbalance of electric charges. Rubbing hair against a balloon, for instance, transfers electrons and creates static charge, illustrating a key situation associated with static electricity.

Insulation materials are often used to prevent the movement of electric charges, which is also relevant to static electricity, as they can help maintain the charge distribution on surfaces.

Lightning strikes are a dramatic manifestation of static electricity on a large scale. They occur when static charges build up in clouds and are eventually discharged to the ground, showcasing the fundamental principles of static electricity in nature.

Electric current flow, on the other hand, involves the movement of electric charge through a conductor, which is distinctly different from the static accumulation of charge. Current flow occurs in circuits and is a dynamic process, whereas static electricity is characterized by the stationary state of charge. Therefore, it stands apart from the other options, all of which directly relate to the phenomena associated with static electricity.