h. Electrostatics

If you place a comb near small bits of paper, you’ve probably noticed that nothing happens. However, if you comb your hair and place it near the paper, you will notice that the paper is attracted to the comb. The force of attraction between the paper and the comb is actually strong enough to overcome the gravitational pull of the earth on the bits of paper.

Essential Question: What causes these pieces of paper to stick to the comb and to one another?

Comb attracts bits of paper

Replica of first cathode ray tube:

http://www.robertfarrowworkshop.co.uk/page/replicas

An electroscope consists of a metal know connect by a metal stem to two thin, lightweight pieces of metal foil, called leaves.

Electric Space Battle (game!)

http://www.theuniverseandmore.com/

Electroscope demos

http://www.physicsclassroom.com/mmedia/estatics/esn.cfm

PHET website

http://phet.colorado.edu/sims/charges-and-fields/charges-and-fields_en.html

Van de Graaff (detailed explanation of how it works)