Suitable For
Grade 4
Difficulty
2
Time Required
<12 Hours
Supervision
Advised
What’s it about?
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.
Like the sound of it?
Why not check out the full worksheet in one of our popular e-books?
This particular science project can be found in any of the following Experiland e-books:
Experiland e-books contain detailed steps, including illustrations, to complete the science projects from start to finish.
