Roll a can with static electricity

What you will require:

• An empty soda can.

• A blown-up balloon.

• A head of hair.

• A flat, smooth surface, e.g. table or floor.

• Tissue paper.

Procedure:

1. Place the can on its side on the flat, smooth surface.

2. Rub the balloon back and forth on your hair (preferably oil-free hair).

3. Hold the balloon close to the can without actually touching the can. Note what happens.

4. Tear the tissue paper into tiny pieces. Rub the balloon on your hair again and bring it close to the pieces of tissue. Note what happens.

5. To make the experiment more interesting find out:
Does the size of the balloon change the power of the pull?
How much water can you put in the can until the balloon can‘t pull it any more?

What is happening?
When the balloon is held close to the can, the can will start to roll towards the balloon. When you bring the balloon close to the tiny pieces of tissue paper, they are attracted to the balloon.
When you rub the balloon on your hair, invisible electrons (with a negative charge) build up on the surface of the balloon. This is called static electricity. The electrons have the power to pull light objects (with a positive charge) toward them.