The purpose of this experiment is to move a balanced toothpick without touching it or any object connected to it.
Things Required:
Clear plastic drinking cupflat
Toothpick coin (small)
Balloon
Directions:
Stand the coin up on its edge. Balance the flat toothpick across the top of the coin. Carefully cover this balanced combination with a clear plastic cup.
“Charge” an inflated balloon by rubbing it back and forth against your hair several times. Note: Your hair must be clean and free of oil. Hold the charged balloon near the plastic cup and slowly move it around the cup.
This Is What Happens:
The toothpick moves.
Science Behind It:
All matter is made of tiny parts called atoms. Each atom has a positively charged centre with negatively charged electrons spinning around the outside. Rubbing a balloon on hair causes it to become negatively charged. This charging occurs because some of the electrons from the hair are rubbed off the hair and onto the balloon.
Very little force is needed to move the balanced toothpick. The attractive force between the negatively charged balloon and the positive centres of the toothpick atoms is strong enough to move the pick.
