Experiment 3: Balloons and Condiments!

In my third attempt to study static electricity, I will test it using a balloon and a bowl of salt and pepper. My hypothesis is that even though the negatively-charged balloon has proved superior to flowing water and hanging cheerios, in this experiment, I do not think the balloon will actually be able to lift the salt and pepper out of the bowl. This is a direct force that opposes gravity. Honestly, is it even a question? The salt and pepper will be resilient against the balloon. Let’s investigate this difficult dilemma!

Materials: 

  - a balloon

   - a bowl of salt and pepper

 

 Procedure:

1. Blow up the balloon.

2. Rub the balloon vigorously on your hair.

3. Hovering the balloon over the bowl, bring the balloon closer to the salt and pepper and watch what happens to the condiments!

Static electricity, these shocking revelations are messing up my hair! How is it that the negatively charged balloon could pull up the salt and pepper from the bowl and then hold the condiments even after the balloon is removed from the bowl? You see, the neutral salt and pepper is attracted to the negatively charged balloon. The force of attraction is stronger than the force of gravity between the condiments and the Earth. Thus, the condiments dance upwards towards the balloon. Sounds a lot like Broadway, if you ask me.