Final answer:
Charged smoke particles are attracted to and stick to surfaces due to electrostatic attraction, similar to the action of electrostatic precipitators which also use electrical charging to clean the air.
Step-by-step explanation:
Charged smoke particles from an ion generator will stick to the walls and furniture because of the principles of electrostatics. When the smoke particles are charged, typically with a positive charge, they are then attracted to and adhere to surfaces with an opposite charge or neutral surfaces due to electrostatic attraction. This concept is similar to how electrostatic precipitators work, as they use this charging effect to remove particles from the air by attracting them to highly charged electrodes, where they are neutralized and deposited. The process not only clears the air but can also be utilized in the recovery of valuable products from industrial emissions.