In this experiment, we will use simple material which is easily available in every home to charge an object with static electricity.
Things Required:
Comb, Tissue paper, Scissors, Ruler
Directions:
Cut a strip of tissue paper about 3 inches × 10 inches (7.5 cm × 25 cm). Cut long, thin strips in the paper, leaving one end uncut (see the diagram). Quickly move the comb through your hair several times. Your hair must be clean, dry and oil-free. Hold the teeth of the comb near, but not touching the cut end of the paper strips.
This Is What Happens:
The thin paper strips move towards the comb.
Science Behind It:
Static means stationary. Static electricity is the build-up of negative or positive stationary charges. Matter is made up of atoms, which have electrons spinning around a positive centre called the nucleus. Moving the comb through your hair actually rubs electrons off the hair and onto the comb. The side of the comb that touched your hair has a build-up of electrons, making that side negatively charged.
The paper strip is made of atoms. Holding the negatively charged comb close to the paper causes the positive part of the atoms in the paper to be attracted to the comb. This attraction between negative and positive charges is strong enough to lift individual strands of paper.
