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Electric Can

This week we are continuing our exploration with static electricity with another fun and easy experiment.

What you will need:

1. an empty soda can
2. balloon
3. hair, or clothes, or rug
4. tissue (optional)

What to do:

1.  Blow up your balloon.
2. Place the can on its side on a flat smooth surface like a table.
3. Rub the blown on your hair, clothes or a rug.
4. Hold the balloon close to the can without actually touching it.  The can will start to roll towards the balloon without even touching it!

Test out the Static Electricity a bit more with a tissue!

1. tear up a tissue into small pieces.
2. Rub the balloon in your hair, clothes or a rug again.
3. Bring the balloon close to the tissue pieces.

The tissue will be attracted to the balloon and then pop off.

 

How does it work? Explanation

When you rub the balloon on a surface like your hair, you give the balloon additional electrons. These new electrons generate a negative static charge which builds upon the surface of the balloon. This is called static electricity, which means “non-moving electricity” The electrons have the power to pull very light objects with a positive charge toward them, like the soda can and the tissue.

 

Check it out in action

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