Static Electricity Balloon

Rub a balloon to build up electric charge and watch it attract objects—explore static electricity in action!

Materials

Procedure

  1. Inflate the balloon and tie it shut.
  2. Rub the balloon vigorously with a wool sweater or towel for 10–20 seconds.
  3. Hold the balloon near the paper pieces and observe how they jump toward it.
  4. Try sticking the balloon to a wall after rubbing—does it stay?
  5. Experiment with different materials to see which produces the strongest static effect.

Choose Your Learning Level

Elementary

When you rub the balloon, it picks up a charge that can pull on paper or stick to a wall—like magic!

Discussion Questions

  • What happens when you rub the balloon?
  • Why do the paper pieces jump?
  • What else can you make move using your balloon?

Middle School

Rubbing the balloon transfers electrons, giving it a negative charge. This charge attracts neutral or positively charged objects nearby.

Discussion Questions

  • What particles move during static electricity?
  • Why does rubbing create a charge?
  • How does the type of material affect the charge?

High School

This demonstration shows triboelectric charging. Electrons transfer from one material to another, creating a net charge imbalance. Electrostatic forces cause attraction between charged and neutral objects due to induced polarization.

Discussion Questions

  • Describe the triboelectric effect in this experiment.
  • How do electric fields explain what you observe?
  • What factors influence the strength and duration of static charge?