Do static charges produce sound? This is what we are going to find out.
Things Required:
Large paper clip
Piece of wool
A scarf, coat or sweater made of 100% wool will work
Clear plastic sheet
Scissors
Modelling clay
Directions:
Cut a plastic strip about 1 in. × 8 inches (2.5 cm × 20 cm). Use the clay to stand the paper clip upright on a table. Wrap the wool around the plastic strip and quickly pull the plastic through the cloth. Do this quickly at least three times. Immediately, hold the plastic near the top of the paper clip.
This Is What Happens:
A snapping sound can be heard.
Science Behind It:
Electrons are rubbed off the wool and onto the plastic. The electrons clump together until the addition of their energy is great enough to move them across the span of air between the plastic and the metal clip. The movement of the electrons through the air produces sound waves, resulting in the snapping sound heard.
