physics discussion


 

Imagine that you have two balloons (or, better yet, actually inflate two balloons, if possible). Create static electricity around one of the balloons by rubbing it against your hair or your sweater and then bring that balloon close to the other balloon, which has not been charged. Now, try this with at least one other object. Then, for your initial post to the discussion, answer the following questions:

  • What happened with the two balloons?
  • If the second balloon has a neutral charge, why do they attract?
  • What else will the charged balloon attract?
  • When you tried with a different object, what happened? Describe your experience and explain why the balloon did or did not attract the object.