What is the existence of an electric force where current cannot flow referred to as?

The existence of an electric force where current cannot flow is referred to as static electricity. Static electricity primarily arises from the accumulation of electric charge on the surface of objects, which occurs when materials gain or lose electrons, creating an imbalance of positive and negative charges. In this state, the charges are at rest and do not exhibit a continuous flow of current, which differentiates it from dynamic electricity, where currents are moving through conductors.

Static electricity is commonly experienced in everyday situations, such as when you walk across a carpet and subsequently touch a metal object, resulting in a static shock. This phenomenon highlights the presence of electric force despite the absence of current flow, thus reinforcing the definition of static electricity as a buildup of charge in a non-flowing state.

Dynamic electricity, on the other hand, refers to electricity in motion, which is not applicable in this context. Electromotive force represents the energy provided per charge by a source, but it does not imply a lack of current flow. Capacitive reactance pertains to the opposition that a capacitor presents to alternating current, and is again not relevant when discussing a static charge context.