Static Balloon

Rubbing a balloon on your hair (or fur) will electrostatically charge the balloon. It will stick to a wall as it induces a charge in the wall. You can also repel a hanging balloon with the charged balloon or attract small pieces of paper. Charging a rod and bringing it near these object will also produce attraction or repulsion.

* Equipment seen in the video may vary from equipment used in ND Demonstrations. See information and images below for ND equipment and setup.

Setup:

Place all the equipment on the lab table. Hang a balloon from a ring stand.

Rub the balloon on your hair or fur to negatively charge it. Bring the charged balloon near the hanging balloon. Bring the charged balloon near the small pieces of paper. Touch the charged balloon to the wall and it will stick.

Charging the rods and bringing them near these objects will also demonstrate attraction and repulsion.

Notes:

None

Courses Used In:

  • PHY 10320

  • PHY 20435

  • PHY 30220

Discussion and Polling Questions:

Coming Soon

Equipment Needed:

  • Balloons

  • String (to hang on from the ceiling)

  • Rubber Rod

  • Glass Rod

  • Fur

  • Silk

  • Small Pieces of Paper

  • Ring Stand

  • Webcam