Elenco Green Projects - Manual (Page 51)

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Project #77 Electricity Against Water
Project #76 One of the Most Powerful Forces
in the Universe
These effects are caused by electricity.
We call this static electricity because
the electrical charges are not moving,
although pulling clothes apart sounds
like static on a radio. When electricity
is moving (usually through wires) to do
something in another place, we call it
an electric current.
Electricity exists everywhere but is so
well balanced that you seldom notice
it. But sometimes, electrical charges
get separated and build up a difference
between materials, and sparks can fly.
Lightning is the same effect as the
sparks between clothes, but on a much
greater scale. A cloud holds static
electricity just like a sweater.
Find some clothes that cling together
in the dryer, and try to uncling them.
Note: This project works best on a
cold dry day. If the weather is
humid, the water vapor in the air
allows the static electric charge to
dissipate, and this project may not
work.
The crackling noise you hear when
taking off a sweater is static
electricity. You may see sparks when
taking one off in a dark room.
Rub a sweater (wool is best) and see
how it clings to other clothes.
Note: This project works best on a
cold dry day. If the weather is
humid, the water vapor in the air
allows the static electric charge to
dissipate, and this project may not
work.
The static electricity around
us is extremely powerful. If
we could learn to move and
control it, we might have all
the energy we need. Maybe
someday you will find a way.
You need a comb (or plastic ruler) and
a water faucet for this project. Run the
comb through your hair several times
then hold it next to a slow, thin stream
of water from a faucet; the water will
bend towards it. You can also use a
plastic ruler. Rub it on your clothes
(wool works best).
Rubbing the comb through your hair
builds up a static electrical charge on
it, which attracts the water.