Lecture on Static Electricity Experiments

Introduction

• Focus on static electricity using a paper napkin or tissue as test material.
• Thinner and lighter than normal writing paper, allowing for better results in experiments.

Materials

• Positive Charge Materials:
  • Acrylic sweater with cotton (better with wool or rabbit fur).
  • Glass rod.
• Negative Charge Materials:
  • PVC pipe.
  • PET bottle.
  • Cellophane and bubble wrap.
  • Plastic bubble wrap.

Experiments

PVC Pipe and Acrylic Sweater

• Rubbing the PVC pipe with the sweater:
  • PVC pipe gains a negative charge.
  • Sweater becomes positively charged.
  • Result: PVC pipe attracts paper pieces.

Glass Rod and Bubble Wrap

• Rubbing the glass rod with the bubble wrap:
  • Plastic becomes more negative.
  • Glass rod becomes more positive.
  • Result: Glass rod attracts paper pieces, albeit less strongly than PVC.

Water Jet Experiment

• Using various charged materials near a water jet:
  • Rubbing PVC pipe with cotton fabric.
  • Balloon with a glass source.
  • PET bottle with a nylon cover.
  • Plastic wrap roll with a nylon bag.
• Observations:
  • Glass, though mild, can divert water.

Observations on Electrostatic Phenomena

• Environmental Factors:
  • Lower relative humidity enhances electrostatic effects.
  • Humid air conducts electricity better, reducing static charge.
  • Common in dry winter days, leading to electric shocks or hair curling.

Additional Experiment

• Polystyrene Ball Experiment:
  • Rub polystyrene ball to acquire a negative charge.
  • Similar charge to PVC pipe results in repulsion between them.

Conclusion

• Static electricity experiments demonstrate the transfer of electrons and charge interactions between different materials.
• Effects vary based on material properties and environmental conditions.