Purpose
In this activity, students will observe the effects and behavior of static electricity.
Discussion
Scuff your feet across a rug and reach for a doorknob and zap—electric shock! The electrical charge that makes up the spark can be several thousand volts, which is why technicians have to be so careful when working with tiny circuits such as those in computer chips!
Required Equipment
2 new balloons, Van de Graaff generator, several pie tins (small), several Styrofoam bowls, bubble-making materials (see note to right), matches.
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Student Worksheet Teacher Notes
The "Styrofoam Bowls" and "Pie Tins" required for this lab are readily available at your office or school supply store. Each lab group would need access to one of each see lab detail for specific use.
