S3.10.5 For the adult
Static electricity
Why does a rubbed comb pick up bits of paper?
What this chapter teaches
Rubbing moves electrons from one material to another. The one that gains them is negative and the other is positive. Like charges repel and unlike attract, so a charged comb pulls uncharged paper, best on a dry day.
Three questions to ask
There is no one right wording. Listen for the idea.
- What moves when you rub a comb on wool?
- Why does a charged comb pull paper that has no charge?
- Why does this work better on a dry day?
After the chapter, the learner can
- Charge a comb by rubbing it and use it to lift paper bits
- Explain that like charges repel and unlike charges attract
What they copy into their notebook
Rubbing moves electrons. The one that gains them is negative. Like charges repel and unlike charges attract. A charged comb pulls paper. Dry days work best.