Question 16A Balloon Acquires A Negative Charge When Thabo Rubs It Against His Jersey. He Holds It Close To A Thin Stream Of Water From A Tap.16.1 What Happens To The Stream Of Water?16.2 Give A Short Explanation For This.Then, The Balloon Is Released

Mar 9, 2025 by ADMIN 252 views

The Fascinating World of Static Electricity: Understanding the Interaction Between a Charged Balloon and a Water Stream

Static electricity is a fascinating phenomenon that has been observed and studied for centuries. It is a type of electricity that occurs when there is a buildup of electric charges on the surface of an object. In this article, we will explore the interaction between a charged balloon and a water stream, and examine the effects of static electricity on the behavior of the water.

When Thabo rubs a balloon against his jersey, it acquires a negative charge. This is because the friction between the balloon and the jersey causes the transfer of electrons from the jersey to the balloon. As a result, the balloon becomes negatively charged.

When the charged balloon is held close to a thin stream of water from a tap, several interesting phenomena can be observed. The stream of water is attracted to the balloon, and it begins to move towards it. This is because the negatively charged balloon creates an electric field around itself, which exerts a force on the water molecules.

What Happens to the Stream of Water?

The stream of water is attracted to the balloon and begins to move towards it. This is because the negatively charged balloon creates an electric field around itself, which exerts a force on the water molecules. The water molecules are polar, meaning that they have a slightly positive charge on one end and a slightly negative charge on the other. The electric field created by the balloon interacts with the polar water molecules, causing them to be attracted to the balloon.

Short Explanation

The stream of water is attracted to the balloon because of the electric field created by the negatively charged balloon. The polar water molecules are drawn towards the balloon, causing the stream of water to move towards it.

When the balloon is released, the stream of water continues to move towards it, even after the balloon has moved away. This is because the electric field created by the balloon has a lingering effect on the water molecules, causing them to continue moving towards the balloon.

The interaction between the charged balloon and the water stream is a classic example of the effects of static electricity on the behavior of water. The negatively charged balloon creates an electric field around itself, which exerts a force on the polar water molecules. This force causes the water molecules to be attracted to the balloon, resulting in the stream of water moving towards it.

The science behind the interaction between the charged balloon and the water stream is based on the principles of electrostatics. When a balloon is rubbed against a surface, it acquires a negative charge due to the transfer of electrons from the surface to the balloon. This negative charge creates an electric field around the balloon, which exerts a force on the polar water molecules.

The Electric Field and the Water Molecules

The electric field created by the balloon interacts with the polar water molecules, causing them to be attracted to the balloon. The water molecules are polar, meaning that they have a slightly positive charge on one end and a slightly negative charge on the other. The electric field created by the balloon interacts with the polar water molecules, causing them to be attracted to the balloon.

The Attraction Between the Water Molecules and the Balloon

The attraction between the water molecules and the balloon is a result of the electric field created by the balloon. The electric field exerts a force on the polar water molecules, causing them to be attracted to the balloon. This force is strong enough to overcome the surface tension of the water, causing the stream of water to move towards the balloon.

In conclusion, the interaction between a charged balloon and a water stream is a fascinating phenomenon that demonstrates the effects of static electricity on the behavior of water. The negatively charged balloon creates an electric field around itself, which exerts a force on the polar water molecules. This force causes the water molecules to be attracted to the balloon, resulting in the stream of water moving towards it. Understanding the science behind this phenomenon can provide valuable insights into the behavior of static electricity and its effects on the behavior of water.

[1] "Static Electricity" by the American Physical Society
[2] "Electrostatics" by the University of Colorado Boulder
[3] "The Behavior of Water in Electric Fields" by the Journal of Colloid and Interface Science

"Static Electricity and the Behavior of Water" by the American Journal of Physics
"The Effects of Static Electricity on the Behavior of Water" by the Journal of Electrostatics
"Understanding Static Electricity and its Effects on the Behavior of Water" by the University of California, Berkeley
Q&A: Understanding the Interaction Between a Charged Balloon and a Water Stream

In our previous article, we explored the fascinating phenomenon of static electricity and its effects on the behavior of water. We examined the interaction between a charged balloon and a water stream, and discussed the science behind this phenomenon. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about this topic.

Q: What is static electricity?

A: Static electricity is a type of electricity that occurs when there is a buildup of electric charges on the surface of an object. This can happen when two objects come into contact with each other and transfer electrons from one object to the other.

Q: How does a balloon acquire a negative charge?

A: A balloon acquires a negative charge when it is rubbed against a surface, such as a piece of cloth or a person's hand. This is because the friction between the balloon and the surface causes the transfer of electrons from the surface to the balloon.

Q: What happens to the stream of water when a charged balloon is held close to it?

A: When a charged balloon is held close to a stream of water, the water molecules are attracted to the balloon due to the electric field created by the balloon. This causes the stream of water to move towards the balloon.

Q: Why do the water molecules move towards the balloon?

A: The water molecules move towards the balloon because of the electric field created by the balloon. The electric field exerts a force on the polar water molecules, causing them to be attracted to the balloon.

Q: What is the role of the electric field in this phenomenon?

A: The electric field created by the balloon plays a crucial role in this phenomenon. It exerts a force on the polar water molecules, causing them to be attracted to the balloon.

Q: Can the stream of water move towards the balloon even after the balloon has moved away?

A: Yes, the stream of water can continue to move towards the balloon even after the balloon has moved away. This is because the electric field created by the balloon has a lingering effect on the water molecules, causing them to continue moving towards the balloon.

Q: What is the significance of this phenomenon?

A: This phenomenon is significant because it demonstrates the effects of static electricity on the behavior of water. It also highlights the importance of understanding the science behind this phenomenon in order to appreciate its significance.

Q: Can this phenomenon be observed in other situations?

A: Yes, this phenomenon can be observed in other situations where a charged object is brought close to a stream of water. For example, a charged piece of metal can be used to attract a stream of water.

Q: What are some real-world applications of this phenomenon?

A: This phenomenon has several real-world applications, including the use of electrostatic charges to separate and purify materials, and the use of electrostatic forces to manipulate the behavior of fluids.

[1] "Static Electricity" by the American Physical Society
[2] "Electrostatics" by the University of Colorado Boulder
[3] "The Behavior of Water in Electric Fields" by the Journal of Colloid and Interface Science

"Static Electricity and the Behavior of Water" by the American Journal of Physics
"The Effects of Static Electricity on the Behavior of Water" by the Journal of Electrostatics
"Understanding Static Electricity and its Effects on the Behavior of Water" by the University of California, Berkeley