The rule for static electricity is that different (opposite) charges attracts, while the same (equal) charges repel one another. Static electricity can be demonstrated in many ways. Make an amusing electro-static flower to show how similar charges repel one another in the following scientific experiment:
Topics covered
Static electricity, Insulator, Friction
What will I need?
BALLOON
WIRE HANGER
TISSUE PAPER
PENCIL
STICKY TAPE
DRY CLEANING PLASTIC BAG
SCISSORS
Procedure (Method)
Unfortunately, this section is only available in the e-book version of the project.
How does it work?
Unfortunately, this section is only available in the e-book version of the project.
This science experiment works because all objects have both ‘positively’ charged electrical particles called ‘protons’, as well as ‘negatively’ charged particles called ‘electrons’. Normally, objects are in a neutral state and the protons and electrons cancel each other out. The balloon is given a strong negative electrical charge when rubbed against the ‘polyethylene’ bag and this charge is transferred through the wire to the ‘petals’, so that they also become negatively charged. Since similar charges repel one another, all of the ‘petals’ stand straight and pushes away from each other.
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