1) Static electricity is built up when materials are rubbed together, causing opposite charges to form on each material. 2) Rubbing a balloon with wool creates a static charge on the balloon, causing it to be attracted to the person holding the wool since they have opposite charges. 3) Inflating a second balloon and hanging it near the first statically charged balloon causes the balloons to repel each other since they both have the same charge.

1. Justin Dodd

2. Indicator 4.3.16 Investigate and describe that without touching them, material that has been electrically charged pulls all other materials and may either push or pull other charged material Found at: http://dc.doe.in.gov/Standards/AcademicStandards/StandardSearch.aspx

3. Definitions Static Electricity: An accumulation of electric charge on an insulated body or electric discharge resulting from the accumulation of electric charge on an insulated body. Friction: The rubbing of one object or surface against another

4. Background Information Static electricity is the buildup of electrical charges on the surface of some object or material. Static electricity is usually created when materials are pulled apart or rubbed together, causing positive (+) charges to collect on one material and negative (−) charges on the other surface. Results from static electricity may be sparks, shocks or materials clinging together.

5. Student Activity 1. Look at the balloon you fastened to the door. 2. “Have you ever witnessed a balloon having static electricity?” Briefly write down your responses in your journal. 3. Ask a volunteer to rub the face of the balloon with a wool cloth. 4. “What is happening?” Write down what you witnessed in your journal.

6. Student Activity cont… 5. Remember that by rubbing wool cloth on the balloon, you are creating static electricity. Remember that rubbing two objects against each other creates friction. Friction causes a static charge 6. “Why is the balloon moving toward you ?” Write down your response in your journal.

7. Student Activity cont… 7. By doing this you and the balloon are both electrically charged but must have opposite charges, since the balloon is attracted to you. 8. Inflate a second balloon and tie the balloon with string. Hang the second balloon near the first balloon. 9.Rub the balloon with wool cloth. (You may have to “recharge” the first balloon.)

8. Student Activity cont… 10. Stand back and observe the two balloons. Ask:“What is happening?” 11. “Why are the two balloons repelling each other?” Write your response in your journal.

9. Assessment How do you know when two objects carry the same kind of charge? How do you know when two objects carry opposite charges? Why did the two balloons move away from each other? What causes static electricity? Why did the first balloon move toward you?

10. Further Resources Here are some websites that you can use to further your understanding of static electricity. www.energyquest.ca.gov/story/chapter03.html www.miamisci.org/af/sln/frankenstein/ static .html http://www.loc.gov/rr/scitech/mysteries/static.html