Static Electricity Box - Revision history

imported>Stwikiadmin: /* Tips and Tricks */

2018-06-01T16:21:39Z

Tips and Tricks

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:21, 1 June 2018
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	== Tips and Tricks ==		== Tips and Tricks ==
	*~~Try~~ to ~~make~~ the ~~blast shield as flat across~~ the ~~top of~~ the ~~box as possible~~		* Be sure to discharge the surface completely after use. Otherwise, the balls can pick up a '''-''' charge, and then they will no longer be attracted to the charged spots.
	*This demonstration goes well with Van de Graaff generator and other static electricity demonstrations		* This demonstration goes well with the [http://sciencetheatre.org/mediawiki-1.16.5/index.php/VanDeGraaff_Generator Van de Graaff generator] and other static electricity demonstrations.

imported>Stwikiadmin: /* Why This Works */

2018-06-01T16:17:46Z

Why This Works

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:17, 1 June 2018
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	== Why This Works ==		== Why This Works ==

	~~===Short Explanation===~~		'''''Static electricity''''' is when charges ('''+''' and '''-''') are separated from one another. This separation is often due to materials which are '''''insulators''''', meaning materials that are good at preventing charges from moving, rub against each other. While this happens, the charges are separated onto the surfaces, and are "stuck in place" (i.e. the charges cannot be dispersed). A major property of charges is that opposite charges attract each other, and like charges repel each other. That is, '''-''' attracts '''+''', but '''-''' repels '''-'''. However, anything that has a neutral charge will be attracted to '''''either - or +'''''.

	In static electricity, charges (+ and -) are separated from one another. Due to the properties of the materials these charges are separated onto, some of these charges are not able to disperse, and are "stuck in place" (i.e. if the surface is a nonconductor). One property of charges is that opposite charges attract each other and like charges repel each other. In the case of this demonstration, rubbing cloth on the plastic ~~(made out of polycarbonate~~, ~~a nonconductor)~~ makes ~~parts of~~ the ~~blast shield~~ - charged. The aluminum foil-wrapped Styrofoam balls are attracted to the charged surface, and will jump to it!		In this demonstration, rubbing cloth on the plastic, an insulator, makes the lid '''-''' charged. The aluminum foil-wrapped Styrofoam balls are attracted to the charged surface, and will jump to it! The styrofoam balls are neutral charge, and are attracted to the '''-''' charge on the surface. The aluminum foil is a '''''conductor''''', or a material that is good at letting charges move through it, so the - charge of the surface never reaches the styrofoam ball. Instead, the charge stays on the aluminum surrounding it!

	When the balls ~~are on the blast shield~~, ~~students~~ can see that they move ~~if they try to poke them~~. This is because, when ~~they touch~~ the plastic, ~~they remove~~ the - charge on the surface. ~~The~~ balls will ~~then~~ fall back down, or ~~they will~~ slide around the ~~blast shield trying~~ to ~~find~~ another spot that is charged.		When you try to poke the balls, you can see that they move away. This is because, when your hand touches the plastic, it removes the '''-''' charge on the surface. With the charge gone, there is nothing attracting the balls to that spot anymore, so the balls will either fall back down, or slide around the lid to another spot that is charged.

	~~<!--~~
	~~===Full Explanation===~~


	~~/-->~~
	== Tips and Tricks ==		== Tips and Tricks ==
	*Try to make the blast shield as flat across the top of the box as possible		*Try to make the blast shield as flat across the top of the box as possible
	*This demonstration goes well with Van de Graaff generator and other static electricity demonstrations		*This demonstration goes well with Van de Graaff generator and other static electricity demonstrations

imported>Stwikiadmin: /* Demonstration */

2018-06-01T15:59:23Z

Demonstration

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:59, 1 June 2018
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	# Rinse out the plastic platter tray and dry. Stack the small cardboard boxes, strips, or similar until they nearly touch the lid of the tray when inside. Tape them together.		# Rinse out the plastic platter tray and dry. Stack the small cardboard boxes, strips, or similar until they nearly touch the lid of the tray when inside. Tape them together.
	# Line the top cardboard box (or cover the top of the stack) with an aluminum foil sheet. Cut two additional sheets to then fold and stack on top, pressing them in and leaving the edge elevated.		# Line the top cardboard box (or cover the top of the stack) with an aluminum foil sheet. Cut two additional sheets to then fold and stack on top, pressing them in and leaving the edge elevated.
	# Place the Aluminum-wrapped styrofoam balls inside the aluminum lined box. Close the lid on top, ensuring it is a snug but sturdy fit.		# Place some of the Aluminum-wrapped styrofoam balls inside the aluminum lined box. Close the lid on top, ensuring it is a snug but sturdy fit.

	;Presentation:		;Presentation:
	~~'''''In the Works''''' <!--~~		Style A:
	~~Using this set up, you can perform 2 different actions~~:		# Rub the plastic lid with your cloth (a circular motion work best). Some of the balls inside the box should begin bouncing around and floating. It is also possible to get a couple to stick against the bottom of the lid.
	# ~~Place~~ the ~~Styrofoam balls wrapped~~ with ~~aluminum foil inside the box, then place the blast shield on top of the box~~		# Put your finger tip close to touching the outside of the lid, above where the Styrofoam ball is sticking. The ball will move around!
	~~#* If this is done, rub the blast shield with a piece of paper towel~~ (a circular motion ~~seems to~~ work best). ~~While sometimes~~ the ~~Styrofoam~~ balls ~~can be reluctant, at some point some of them~~ should begin bouncing around and floating ~~inside the box~~. ~~If you are careful enough, it~~ is also possible to get ~~one or~~ a couple to stick against the bottom of the ~~blast shield~~. ~~If this occurs, you can put~~ your finger tip close to touching the outside of the ~~blast shield (~~where the Styrofoam ball is ~~touching on the other side)~~. The ball ~~should~~ move around ~~when this occurs.~~		Style B:
	#* The shorter of the ~~2 boxes~~ works ~~better with this. If using the shorter box~~, ~~you can also make the Styrofoam balls jump around by rubbing the tip of your finger on the outside of the blast shield.~~		# Rub the plastic lid with your cloth (A circular motion works best), then place the extra Styrofoam balls wrapped with aluminum foil on top. They will shift around a bit, then stick into place.
	~~# Place~~ the Styrofoam balls wrapped with aluminum foil on top ~~of the blast shield~~, ~~which is resting on top of the box~~		# Once the Styrofoam balls are in place, bring your finger tip close to one of the balls (or just barely touching it) and the ball should roll and jump around the top of the lid!
	#* If this is done, prior to placing the Styrofoam balls on the surface of the blast shield, rub the top of the blast shield with a paper towel. Once the Styrofoam balls are ~~placed on top of the blast shield~~, ~~an instructor or student can~~ bring ~~their~~ finger tip ~~in very~~ close ~~proximity~~ to ~~a Styrofoam ball~~ (or just barely touching it) and the ball should roll around the top of the ~~blast shield. /-->~~

	== Why This Works ==		== Why This Works ==

imported>Stwikiadmin: /* Materials */

2018-06-01T15:49:35Z

Materials

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:49, 1 June 2018
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	** Small clear plastic dome with base (Such as a cookie platter tray)		** Small clear plastic dome with base (Such as a cookie platter tray)
	** Small cardboard boxes, cardboard strips, or similar		** Small cardboard boxes, cardboard strips, or similar
	* Piece of paper towel or ~~cloth~~		* Piece of paper towel, cloth, or fur

	== Safety Precautions ==		== Safety Precautions ==

imported>Stwikiadmin at 21:51, 17 January 2018

2018-01-17T21:51:51Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:51, 17 January 2018
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	\|}		\|}

	The static electricity box is a small box covered ~~with poly-carbonate that~~ displays some surprising and fun properties of static electricity up close that students can play with ~~themselves~~.		The static electricity box is a small box covered in plastic and contains aluminum foil balls. This quirky box displays some surprising and fun properties of static electricity up close that students can play with.

	== Materials ==		== Materials ==

	* Static electricity box ~~(cardboard)~~		* Static electricity box:
	* Aluminum foil		** Aluminum foil
	* 1 cm diameter Styrofoam balls wrapped with aluminum foil		** 1 cm diameter Styrofoam balls, wrapped with aluminum foil
	* Small ~~poly-carbonate blast shield~~		** Small clear plastic dome with base (Such as a cookie platter tray)
	* ~~Roll of duct tape~~ or ~~something of~~ similar ~~height~~		** Small cardboard boxes, cardboard strips, or similar
	* Piece of paper towel		* Piece of paper towel or cloth

	== Safety Precautions ==		== Safety Precautions ==
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	== Demonstration ==		== Demonstration ==

	Preparation: ~~Place~~ the ~~static electricity box on a table that is within range for students to interact with~~. ~~Fold up a long strip~~ of ~~aluminum foil so that 4 layers of aluminum foil can fit~~ inside the box~~. Push~~ the foil ~~all the way~~ to ~~the bottom of the box~~ and ~~try to get it as close to~~ the ~~bottom as possible. Open up small blast shield~~. Place ~~one half of it on a roll of duct tape or something of similar height to support this side of~~ the ~~blast shield~~. ~~Lay~~ the ~~other half of the blast shield~~ on top ~~of the static electricity box~~.		;Preparation: Assemble the Static Electricity Box
			# Rinse out the plastic platter tray and dry. Stack the small cardboard boxes, strips, or similar until they nearly touch the lid of the tray when inside. Tape them together.
			# Line the top cardboard box (or cover the top of the stack) with an aluminum foil sheet. Cut two additional sheets to then fold and stack on top, pressing them in and leaving the edge elevated.
			# Place the Aluminum-wrapped styrofoam balls inside the aluminum lined box. Close the lid on top, ensuring it is a snug but sturdy fit.

			;Presentation:
			'''''In the Works''''' <!--
	Using this set up, you can perform 2 different actions:		Using this set up, you can perform 2 different actions:
	# Place the Styrofoam balls wrapped with aluminum foil inside the box, then place the blast shield on top of the box		# Place the Styrofoam balls wrapped with aluminum foil inside the box, then place the blast shield on top of the box
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	#* The shorter of the 2 boxes works better with this. If using the shorter box, you can also make the Styrofoam balls jump around by rubbing the tip of your finger on the outside of the blast shield.		#* The shorter of the 2 boxes works better with this. If using the shorter box, you can also make the Styrofoam balls jump around by rubbing the tip of your finger on the outside of the blast shield.
	# Place the Styrofoam balls wrapped with aluminum foil on top of the blast shield, which is resting on top of the box		# Place the Styrofoam balls wrapped with aluminum foil on top of the blast shield, which is resting on top of the box
	#* If this is done, prior to placing the Styrofoam balls on the surface of the blast shield, rub the top of the blast shield with a paper towel. Once the Styrofoam balls are placed on top of the blast shield, an instructor or student can bring their finger tip in very close proximity to a Styrofoam ball (or just barely touching it) and the ball should roll around the top of the blast shield.		#* If this is done, prior to placing the Styrofoam balls on the surface of the blast shield, rub the top of the blast shield with a paper towel. Once the Styrofoam balls are placed on top of the blast shield, an instructor or student can bring their finger tip in very close proximity to a Styrofoam ball (or just barely touching it) and the ball should roll around the top of the blast shield. /-->

	== Why This Works ==		== Why This Works ==
	In static electricity, charges (+ and -) are separated from one another. Due to the properties of the materials these charges are separated onto, some of these charges are not able to disperse, and are "stuck in place" (i.e. if the surface is a nonconductor). One property of charges is that opposite charges attract each other and like charges repel each other. In the case of this demonstration, rubbing the blast shield (made out of polycarbonate, a nonconductor) makes parts of the blast shield + charged. The tin foil-wrapped Styrofoam balls are essentially - charged.

	When the balls are on the blast shield and they are touched, this changes their charge, the they slide around the blast shield trying to find a spot that is more attracted to their new charge than the place they were previously sitting.
	When the balls are underneath the blast shield and the blast shield is rubbed by the paper towel, the blast shield is gaining + charge, so the balls are attracted to the places with + charge to them until (with continual rubbing) a new place acquires more + charge, or the place they were attracted to loses + charge, and they bounce to that new area.

			===Short Explanation===

			In static electricity, charges (+ and -) are separated from one another. Due to the properties of the materials these charges are separated onto, some of these charges are not able to disperse, and are "stuck in place" (i.e. if the surface is a nonconductor). One property of charges is that opposite charges attract each other and like charges repel each other. In the case of this demonstration, rubbing cloth on the plastic (made out of polycarbonate, a nonconductor) makes parts of the blast shield - charged. The aluminum foil-wrapped Styrofoam balls are attracted to the charged surface, and will jump to it!

			When the balls are on the blast shield, students can see that they move if they try to poke them. This is because, when they touch the plastic, they remove the - charge on the surface. The balls will then fall back down, or they will slide around the blast shield trying to find another spot that is charged.

			<!--
			===Full Explanation===


			/-->
	== Tips and Tricks ==		== Tips and Tricks ==
	*Try to make the blast shield as flat across the top of the box as possible		*Try to make the blast shield as flat across the top of the box as possible
	*This demonstration goes well with Van de Graaff generator and other static electricity demonstrations		*This demonstration goes well with Van de Graaff generator and other static electricity demonstrations

imported>Olzemc at 17:59, 2 May 2017

2017-05-02T17:59:01Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:59, 2 May 2017
Line 38:		Line 38:
	== Why This Works ==		== Why This Works ==
	In static electricity, charges (+ and -) are separated from one another. Due to the properties of the materials these charges are separated onto, some of these charges are not able to disperse, and are "stuck in place" (i.e. if the surface is a nonconductor). One property of charges is that opposite charges attract each other and like charges repel each other. In the case of this demonstration, rubbing the blast shield (made out of polycarbonate, a nonconductor) makes parts of the blast shield + charged. The tin foil-wrapped Styrofoam balls are essentially - charged.		In static electricity, charges (+ and -) are separated from one another. Due to the properties of the materials these charges are separated onto, some of these charges are not able to disperse, and are "stuck in place" (i.e. if the surface is a nonconductor). One property of charges is that opposite charges attract each other and like charges repel each other. In the case of this demonstration, rubbing the blast shield (made out of polycarbonate, a nonconductor) makes parts of the blast shield + charged. The tin foil-wrapped Styrofoam balls are essentially - charged.

	When the balls are on the blast shield and they are touched, this changes their charge, the they slide around the blast shield trying to find a spot that is more attracted to their new charge than the place they were previously sitting.		When the balls are on the blast shield and they are touched, this changes their charge, the they slide around the blast shield trying to find a spot that is more attracted to their new charge than the place they were previously sitting.
	When the balls are underneath the blast shield and the blast shield is rubbed by the paper towel, the blast shield is gaining + charge, so the balls are attracted to the places with + charge to them until (with continual rubbing) a new place acquires more + charge, or the place they were attracted to loses + charge, and they bounce to that new area.		When the balls are underneath the blast shield and the blast shield is rubbed by the paper towel, the blast shield is gaining + charge, so the balls are attracted to the places with + charge to them until (with continual rubbing) a new place acquires more + charge, or the place they were attracted to loses + charge, and they bounce to that new area.
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	== Tips and Tricks ==		== Tips and Tricks ==
	*Try to make the blast shield as flat across the top of the box as possible		*Try to make the blast shield as flat across the top of the box as possible
			*This demonstration goes well with Van de Graaff generator and other static electricity demonstrations

imported>Olzemc at 17:29, 2 May 2017

2017-05-02T17:29:11Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:29, 2 May 2017
Line 37:		Line 37:

	== Why This Works ==		== Why This Works ==
			In static electricity, charges (+ and -) are separated from one another. Due to the properties of the materials these charges are separated onto, some of these charges are not able to disperse, and are "stuck in place" (i.e. if the surface is a nonconductor). One property of charges is that opposite charges attract each other and like charges repel each other. In the case of this demonstration, rubbing the blast shield (made out of polycarbonate, a nonconductor) makes parts of the blast shield + charged. The tin foil-wrapped Styrofoam balls are essentially - charged.
			When the balls are on the blast shield and they are touched, this changes their charge, the they slide around the blast shield trying to find a spot that is more attracted to their new charge than the place they were previously sitting.
			When the balls are underneath the blast shield and the blast shield is rubbed by the paper towel, the blast shield is gaining + charge, so the balls are attracted to the places with + charge to them until (with continual rubbing) a new place acquires more + charge, or the place they were attracted to loses + charge, and they bounce to that new area.





	== Tips and Tricks ==		== Tips and Tricks ==
	*		*Try to make the blast shield as flat across the top of the box as possible

imported>Olzemc: /* Tips and Tricks */

2017-04-25T22:43:42Z

Tips and Tricks

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:43, 25 April 2017
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	== Tips and Tricks ==		== Tips and Tricks ==
			*

imported>Olzemc: /* Demonstration */

2017-04-25T18:27:01Z

Demonstration

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:27, 25 April 2017
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	# Place the Styrofoam balls wrapped with aluminum foil inside the box, then place the blast shield on top of the box		# Place the Styrofoam balls wrapped with aluminum foil inside the box, then place the blast shield on top of the box
	#* If this is done, rub the blast shield with a piece of paper towel (a circular motion seems to work best). While sometimes the Styrofoam balls can be reluctant, at some point some of them should begin bouncing around and floating inside the box. If you are careful enough, it is also possible to get one or a couple to stick against the bottom of the blast shield. If this occurs, you can put your finger tip close to touching the outside of the blast shield (where the Styrofoam ball is touching on the other side). The ball should move around when this occurs.		#* If this is done, rub the blast shield with a piece of paper towel (a circular motion seems to work best). While sometimes the Styrofoam balls can be reluctant, at some point some of them should begin bouncing around and floating inside the box. If you are careful enough, it is also possible to get one or a couple to stick against the bottom of the blast shield. If this occurs, you can put your finger tip close to touching the outside of the blast shield (where the Styrofoam ball is touching on the other side). The ball should move around when this occurs.
			#* The shorter of the 2 boxes works better with this. If using the shorter box, you can also make the Styrofoam balls jump around by rubbing the tip of your finger on the outside of the blast shield.
	# Place the Styrofoam balls wrapped with aluminum foil on top of the blast shield, which is resting on top of the box		# Place the Styrofoam balls wrapped with aluminum foil on top of the blast shield, which is resting on top of the box
	#* If this is done, prior to placing the Styrofoam balls on the surface of the blast shield, rub the top of the blast shield with a paper towel. Once the Styrofoam balls are placed on top of the blast shield, an instructor or student can bring their finger tip in very close proximity to a Styrofoam ball (~~WITHOUT TOUCHING IT~~) and the ball should roll around the top of the blast shield.		#* If this is done, prior to placing the Styrofoam balls on the surface of the blast shield, rub the top of the blast shield with a paper towel. Once the Styrofoam balls are placed on top of the blast shield, an instructor or student can bring their finger tip in very close proximity to a Styrofoam ball (or just barely touching it) and the ball should roll around the top of the blast shield.


	== Why This Works ==		== Why This Works ==

imported>Olzemc: Created page with "{| class="wikitable" style="color:black; background-color:#ddd; margin-left: auto; float:right" | Physics: | Electricity |- | Grade Range: | Middle School, [[High School]..."

2017-04-25T18:03:06Z

Created page with "{| class="wikitable" style="color:black; background-color:#ddd; margin-left: auto; float:right" | Physics: | Electricity |- | Grade Range: | Middle School, [[High School]..."

New page

{| class="wikitable" style="color:black; background-color:#ddd; margin-left: auto; float:right"
| [[Physics]]:
| Electricity
|-
| Grade Range:
| [[Middle School]], [[High School]]
|-
| Format:
| [[Hands-on]]
|}

The static electricity box is a small box covered with poly-carbonate that displays some surprising and fun properties of static electricity up close that students can play with themselves.

== Materials ==

* Static electricity box (cardboard)
* Aluminum foil
* 1 cm diameter Styrofoam balls wrapped with aluminum foil
* Small poly-carbonate blast shield
* Roll of duct tape or something of similar height
* Piece of paper towel

== Safety Precautions ==

* Please see the Demonstration Safety Page for General Safety Precautions

== Demonstration ==

Preparation: Place the static electricity box on a table that is within range for students to interact with. Fold up a long strip of aluminum foil so that 4 layers of aluminum foil can fit inside the box. Push the foil all the way to the bottom of the box and try to get it as close to the bottom as possible. Open up small blast shield. Place one half of it on a roll of duct tape or something of similar height to support this side of the blast shield. Lay the other half of the blast shield on top of the static electricity box.

Using this set up, you can perform 2 different actions:
# Place the Styrofoam balls wrapped with aluminum foil inside the box, then place the blast shield on top of the box
#* If this is done, rub the blast shield with a piece of paper towel (a circular motion seems to work best). While sometimes the Styrofoam balls can be reluctant, at some point some of them should begin bouncing around and floating inside the box. If you are careful enough, it is also possible to get one or a couple to stick against the bottom of the blast shield. If this occurs, you can put your finger tip close to touching the outside of the blast shield (where the Styrofoam ball is touching on the other side). The ball should move around when this occurs.
# Place the Styrofoam balls wrapped with aluminum foil on top of the blast shield, which is resting on top of the box
#* If this is done, prior to placing the Styrofoam balls on the surface of the blast shield, rub the top of the blast shield with a paper towel. Once the Styrofoam balls are placed on top of the blast shield, an instructor or student can bring their finger tip in very close proximity to a Styrofoam ball (WITHOUT TOUCHING IT) and the ball should roll around the top of the blast shield.

== Why This Works ==

== Tips and Tricks ==