Justin Dodd

Indicator 4.3.16Investigate and describe that without

touching them, material that has been electrically charged pulls all other materials and may either push or pull other charged material

Found at:http://dc.doe.in.gov/Standards/

AcademicStandards/StandardSearch.aspx

DefinitionsStatic Electricity: An accumulation of electric

charge on an insulated body or electric discharge resulting from the accumulation of electric charge on an insulated body.

Friction: The rubbing of one object or surface against another

Background InformationStatic electricity is the buildup of electrical

charges on the surface of some object or material. Static electricity is usually created when materials are pulled apart or rubbed together, causing positive (+) charges to collect on one material and negative (−) charges on the other surface. Results from static electricity may be sparks, shocks or materials clinging together.

Student Activity1. Look at the balloon you fastened to the

door.2. “Have you ever witnessed a balloon having

static electricity?” Briefly write down your responses in your journal.

3. Ask a volunteer to rub the face of the balloon with a wool cloth.

4. “What is happening?” Write down what you witnessed in your journal.

Student Activity cont…5. Remember that by rubbing wool cloth on

the balloon, you are creating static electricity. Remember that rubbing two objects against each other creates friction. Friction causes a static charge

6. “Why is the balloon moving toward you?” Write down your response in your journal.

Student Activity cont…7. By doing this you and the balloon are both

electrically charged but must have opposite charges, since the balloon is attracted to you.

8. Inflate a second balloon and tie the balloon with string. Hang the second balloon near the first balloon.

9.Rub the balloon with wool cloth. (You may have to “recharge” the first balloon.)

Student Activity cont…10. Stand back and observe the two balloons.

Ask:“What is happening?”11. “Why are the two balloons repelling each

other?” Write your response in your journal.

AssessmentHow do you know when two objects carry the

same kind of charge?How do you know when two objects carry

opposite charges?Why did the two balloons move away from

each other?What causes static electricity?Why did the first balloon move toward you?

Further ResourcesHere are some websites that you can use to

further your understanding of static electricity.

www.energyquest.ca.gov/story/chapter03.html www.miamisci.org/af/sln/frankenstein/static.html http://www.loc.gov/rr/scitech/mysteries/static.html