Static+Electricity+and+Water

=Static Electricity and Water =

**What You Will Need:** 1) Latex Balloon 2) Sink

Steps for the Experiment:
1) Rub an inflated latex balloon against your hair 2) Turn on the water in the sink to the point where a small amount of water is coming out 3) Move the balloon close to the water (without touching it). 4) As the ballon closes in, the water will bend towards the balloon.



Science Behind the Experiment
Each atom has a nucleus, which contains both protons and neutrons. Around the nucleus there are negatively charged particles called electrons orbiting the nucleus. One way to move the electrons from one object to the other is to rub two objects together. When two objects are rubbed against each other, electrons jump from one object to the other. The object that loses electrons becomes positively charged, while the object that gains electrons becomes negatively charged. Here, the balloon will attract the stream of water, which also carries a charge. Therefore, the water will bend towards the statically charged balloon.

This is an easy experiment that can be done at home in just a few minutes of your time. media type="youtube" key="k2D6rIyAp4w?fs=1" height="385" width="480"

Citation: http://chemistry.about.com/od/chemistryexperiments/ht/bendwater.htm http://www.andybrain.com/sciencelab/2007/11/25/move-a-stream-of-water-with-a-balloon-and-static-electricity/ http://www.sciencemadesimple.com/static.html