P201 Menu

Exploratories

Electrostatic Demonstration


Electrostatic Force

  Charge rubber rod negatively or glass rod positively. Bring rod close to can. Can will roll toward rod.

 
Water as Charge Detector
Charge a rubber rod with some fur and bring it near a faucet which has a very small stream of water running from it. The water will be obviously
diverted--always toward the rod. A glass rod rubbed with plastic bread wrap will have the same effect--showing that the opposite charge is
induced in the near surface of the water stream. 

 
Big Pith Balls
Epoxy the ends of about 1 m of strong thread to two ping pong balls. Coat the balls with a suspension of graphite in alcohol or with an aluminum-base paint to make the balls electrically conductive. When balls are hung from some type of
support, they can be charged with a rubber rod rubbed with fur to illustrate basic law of electrostatics. Glass rod rubbed with plastic bread wrap gives the opposite charge.


Teacher Note: Big Pith Balls

Do as a demonstration.

Qualitatively show F a q 2

and F a 1 / d 2

thus developing

F a q 1 q 2 / d 2

Directions for demo.

Set-up: Hang two pith balls (styrofoam cups may be substituted) from the ceiling or from a tall ring stand. See Diagram.

 1. Charge the pith balls, ping pong balls, or the cups by rubbing with fur.

2. Bring the charged objects 2-3 cm apart. Release the objects.

3. With a piece of tape, mark the position of greatest displacement.

4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 holding the charged objects 4-6 cm apart.
Discuss with the class the relationship between distance and electric force.