Magic with science: Static Electricity
These are a few fun experiments that you can amaze your friends with that only require a few household items and are based around two things: a balloon and static electricity.
When we rub a balloon on the right kind of surface (like a wool jumper), it goes from being neutral to building up a negative charge. This can then be used to manipulate electrons on other surfaces by repelling negative electrons and drawing positive electrons. More importantly, this can look really, really cool!
Want to see the science behind it? Check out this cool interactive digital experiment.
TIP: The science behind this magic trick is impacted by the weather, so be sure to perform when the air is dry!
Materials
- Balloon
- Pencil
- Salt
- Scrap paper
Tip: We found plain balloons worked best. Thicker balloons designed for helium, or heavily patterned ones didn’t seem to build up a charge.
Directions
- Blow up a balloon and tie it off.
- Rub the balloon repeatedly. You may need to experiment with different surfaces such as hair, woollen clothes, jumpers, carpet; (conductive materials will give up their electrons more readily). You may need to experiment with how long it takes to build up a charge; note that the charge will only build up on the side that is rubbed.
- Experiment away!
Dancing Salt: Place a pile of fine table salt on a bench and hold a charged balloon above it. Watch the salt leap up and cling to the balloon!
Magic Pencil: Move a pencil without touching it! Balance a wooden pencil on top of a glass or bottle. Hold the charged balloon nearby and watch the pencil roll.
Shifting paper: Make a pile of paper (ripped into small squares) and hold the charged balloon nearby. Watch the paper shift (and hopefully leap up to the balloon!).
Sticky walls: Charge the balloon and then try sticking it to the wall or curtain.
Flying Solo 