A Shocking Transformation: Fun Static Electricity Experiments with Packing Materials
[speech_bubble type=”rtail” subtype=”L1″ icon=”5.png” name=”桑子研”]I’m Ken Kuwako, a science trainer, and for me, every day is an experiment.[/speech_bubble]
Fun Static Electricity Experiment with Packing Materials
Ever get a shock of static electricity when you touch a doorknob in the winter? Static electricity can actually be created with all sorts of everyday objects. Today, we’ll be using packing material, the kind you find in delivery boxes. Most of the time, we just throw it away, but it’s actually the perfect item for a static electricity experiment!
What You’ll Need
- Packing material
- Clothes (like a wool sweater)
How to Do It
- Rub the packing material vigorously against your clothes or a carpet.
- Bring the rubbed packing material close to a wall or your face.
- Watch as the power of static electricity makes it stick!
I stuck it to a kid!
This happens because rubbing an object causes it to become electrically charged (or “static-y”). When you rub an object, electrons move, causing it to become either positively or negatively charged. As a result, it gets attracted to things with the opposite charge, like a wall or your face. If you push the rubbed material against a wall, it will stick to it. Try it out this winter!
It doesn’t just stick to walls—it also sticks to people, and kids absolutely love it when you stick it on them!
Why does this work best in the winter?
Static electricity is more likely to build up in dry air. When the air is humid, the moisture releases the electrons, but when it’s dry, the electrical charge can build up easily. That’s why this experiment is especially fun in the winter. You can also try other fun static experiments, like rubbing a balloon on your hair to make it stand up. Try rubbing different objects to see which one sticks best!
Brought to you by the static electricity man!
Check out these cool experiments with a static electricity generator (Van de Graaff)!!
You can do all sorts of fascinating experiments with a static electricity generator (Van de Graaff). We’ve showcased some of them here. These experiments include some that were performed on a TV show with famous Japanese actors and entertainers. Find out more here.
*Please note: Experiments using a static electricity generator (Van de Graaff) should always be conducted with an expert present. Please be careful. For requests regarding static electricity experiments (such as science classes, TV supervision, or appearances), please contact us here.
【Feature】You’ll be addicted! Static Electricity Experiments
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