Rubbing two objects together can cause electrons to be transferred from one object to another, producing a negative charge on one and a positive charge on the other. Rubbing plastic with hair, fur, or many types of cloth produces a negative charge on the plastic object. Rubbing a glass rod with silk produces a positive charge on the glass rod. Video examples of similar experiments are included in ChemDemos Videodisc (1) and Chemistry Comes Alive!, Volume 1 (2). A historic example is found in this issue of the Journal (3).
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More Information
Citation
J. Chem. Educ.1998 75 80A.
Keywords
Atomic Properties/Structure, Teaching/Learning Aids, and Introductory/High School Chemistry; Classroom Activity
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