Static charge (electrons, in this case) can be physically transferred from one object to another through friction. Students will use rubber, glass, fur and silk to create positive and negative charges, and investigate how these charges cause forces. An electroscope will be used to demonstrate charging by conduction and induction.
Required Equipment
Electrostatics Demo Kit, Hard Rubber Rod (2 total), Electroscope, Fishing Line
Download Teacher Notes and Student Worksheets
The "Fishing Line" required for this lab is readily available at your local hardware or sports supply store. Each lab group would need one piece of fishing line less than one meter length.
