Balloon Behaviour

  Secondary | Energy | Views: 1967

You will Need:

• Balloons
• Hair on someone’s head!
• Tiny pieces of paper
• String
• Tap
• Empty drinks can

What to Do:

Before taking part in each of these experiments, you will need to charge to balloon with energy. The best way to so this is to rub the balloon on something that will generate static. The easiest way to do this is to rub the balloon on your hair.

How does it work?

When one object is rubbed against another it creates static electricity, a form of potential energy. This is because the rubbing creates a negative charge that is carried by electrons. Opposite charges build between the balloon and other objects, causing the effects you will see by trying some of the activities below!

What can I do with my charged balloon?

1. Slowly pull the balloon away from your hair and see what happens to your hair. Try it on someone else and take a funny photo!
2. Tear up tiny pieces of paper and place them on a table. Bring your charged balloon near to the paper and watch them move! In which direction do they move? Why is this?
3. Tie a balloon on either end of a long piece of string. Charge each balloon and hold the string by the middle, so each balloon is side by side. What happens?
4. Turn on a tap slightly, letting the water run gently in a small stream. Bring a charged balloon next to the running water…the water moves! Where and why?
5. Place an empty drinks can on its side on a flat surface. Bring a charged balloon near it and watch the can roll!

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