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This has to do with the charge of the objects. Positively charged items stick to negatively charged items (think "opposites attract"). Though objects like hair and balloons are generally neutral (without a charge) and do not attract anything, this can be changed through the transfer of electrons. Electrons are negatively charged subatomic particles that can be transferred between items through contact.

When you rub a balloon on your hair, the contact between your hair and the balloon allows electrons to be transferred, known as the triboelectric effect. Some materials are more likely to gain electrons and become more negative, while others are more likely to lose electrons and become more positive. In the case of hair and a balloon, the electrons are transferred from your hair to the balloon, so the balloon becomes negative.

Now that electrons have been transferred, your hair and the balloon are of opposite charged and attract one another; therefore, your hair sticks to the balloon. Before the balloon contacts the hair, they both have a stable balance of electrons and protons. Once the balloon is rubbed on the hair, it takes electrons from the hair. Thus leaving the hair positively charged and the balloon negatively charged. Once the balloon is pulled away the hair sticks to it. This happens because opposite charges attract and since the hair was positively charged, and the balloon is negatively charged, they attract.

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What are 5 facts about static electricity?

Static electricity occurs when positive and negative charges build up on the surface of an object. It can be generated by friction between two objects or by separating and rejoining charges. Static electricity can cause objects to stick together or repel each other. It can also cause sparks or shocks when discharged. Some common examples of static electricity include rubbing a balloon on your hair to make it stick and lightning during a storm.


Why does a balloon cause the hair on your arm to raise?

Because of the static electricity.


What does static electricity and current electricity have in common?

Static electricity and current electricity both involve the movement of electrical charge. In static electricity, charges build up on objects without flowing, while in current electricity, charges flow continuously in a closed circuit. Both types of electricity can result in the attraction or repulsion of objects due to the presence of opposite or like charges.


Can you stick a charged balloon to a doorknob?

Yes, you can stick a charged balloon to a doorknob because the charged balloon and the doorknob have opposite charges. The electrostatic attraction between the charged balloon and the doorknob will cause them to stick together momentarily.


Is lightning current or static electricity?

Both. A lightning bolt has many thousands of amps at millions of volts. The planet spins, but also has stationary waves through which it spins. It also has friction. Both of these cause the potential in the air to rise, as well as the earth. And yes..the earth has electricity in it. We don't create electricity from nature. We simply borrow it, make it do our bidding, and return it to ground...or "earth"

Related Questions

What will happen when you rub a balloon with a cloth?

Rubbing a balloon with a cloth can create static electricity on the surface of the balloon. This can cause the balloon to stick to objects or attract small items like pieces of paper.


What happen if you rub the balloon on your hair or woolen material?

Rubbing a balloon on your hair or woolen material creates static electricity. This causes the balloon to become negatively charged and attract positively charged objects, such as small pieces of paper or hair. The static charge on the balloon can also cause your hair to stand on end due to the repulsion of like charges.


What type of electricity is produced by rubbing two balloons together?

Static electricity is produced when two balloons are rubbed together. This occurs due to the transfer of electrons from one balloon to the other, creating a build-up of static charge on the surface of the balloons.


What will happen if you rub a balloon with your hand?

Rubbing a balloon with your hand will cause the balloon to become negatively charged. This is due to the transfer of electrons from your hand to the balloon, creating a static electric charge. The negatively charged balloon can then attract positively charged objects or even stick to certain surfaces due to static electricity.


How can we make hair stand with electricity?

To make hair stand with electricity, you can create a static charge by rubbing a balloon or comb against your hair. This will cause the hair strands to repel each other due to the static charge, making them stand up.


What happens when you rub plastic wrap to a balloon?

Rubbing plastic wrap on a balloon creates static electricity. The friction between the materials transfers electrons, causing the balloon to become negatively charged. This can cause the balloon to stick to surfaces or be attracted to other objects.


Which of these is an example of static electricity-?

Explanation of Materials that Cause Static Electricity. ... "Flyaway hair" is a good example of having a moderate positive (+) charge. Nylon. Wool. Lead ... It is surprising that these metals attract electrons almost as much as polyester. Polyester.


What is static electricity produced by?

example you take a balloon and you rub it against your hair it will cause the balloon to lose or gain electrons which that mommnet it makes static


Which surface will a balloon that is rubbed against your head most likely stick too?

A balloon rubbed against your head will most likely stick to a surface like a wall or ceiling, as the rubbing generates static electricity which can cause the balloon to attract to surfaces with opposite charges.


Is there anything other than a balloon to cause static electricity?

Yes, other common sources of static electricity include friction between two different materials, such as rubbing a comb against hair, walking on carpet, or shuffling on a rug. These actions can transfer electrons between surfaces, leading to a buildup of static charge.


What are 5 facts about static electricity?

Static electricity occurs when positive and negative charges build up on the surface of an object. It can be generated by friction between two objects or by separating and rejoining charges. Static electricity can cause objects to stick together or repel each other. It can also cause sparks or shocks when discharged. Some common examples of static electricity include rubbing a balloon on your hair to make it stick and lightning during a storm.


What happens when you rub a balloon with wool and the other with silk?

Rubbing a balloon with wool will transfer electrons from the wool to the balloon, giving the balloon a negative charge. Rubbing a balloon with silk will transfer electrons from the balloon to the silk, giving the balloon a positive charge. These charges create static electricity and can cause the balloon to stick to other objects or even repel other charged objects.