So far you’ve observed what happens when the objects of the same charge are brought together. The two negative balloons repel each other. The positive nylon strips repel each other. But what happens when a negative balloon and a positive strip are brought near each other? Find out in this easy experiment.
Things Required:
Nylon strip
1-foot thread
Tape
Balloon
Wool
Plastic grocery bag
Directions:
Attach a 1-foot length of thread to an inflated balloon. Charge the balloon by rubbing it with wool. Use tape to attach the thread to the edge of a table or desk.
Charge the nylon strip by rubbing it with a plastic bag. Stroke the strip several times to ensure that it becomes sufficiently charged. Bring the strip near the hanging balloon. What happens?
Release the strip. Does it stick to the balloon or is it repelled by this opposite charged object?
This Is What Happens:
Like charges repel. Unlike charges attract.
Both the balloon and the strip were charged by contact charging. The balloon took on a net negative charge. The nylon strip took on a net positive charge.
When the negative and positive charges were close enough, the objects moved together. At close range, the attraction was strong enough to stick the nylon to the surface of the balloon.
