Rubber and Glass Rods with Tinsel and Balloon (D1, D2) [5A10.10]

A plexiglass rod rubbed with fur picks up a positive electric charge, while a rubber rod rubbed with fur picks up a negative electric charge. When either rod is brought in contact with hanging tinsel, the tinsel becomes charged and flares out. The other rod, however, will now attract the tinsel. Touching the tinsel with your hand discharges it.

These electrostatic forces can also be seen with a conducting balloon. Touching a charged rod to the balloon transfers charge, causing the balloon to be repelled away from the rod.

The ancient Greeks noticed this phenomenon when rubbing pieces of amber (which pick up a negative electric charge, like our rubber rod). The word "electricity" is based on the Greek name for amber: "elektron."

[jennifermosher]

Hi TSG Physics - this is an awesome video, really helpful to compare and contrast conductor behavior with insulator behavior. It would have been even better had the experimenter approached the mylar balloon from the back (untouched) side, to see if the balloon was repelled from both the (viewer's) right and the left.

[patindaytona]

He charged the tinsel so it has a positive charge before he used the plexiglass on it?

[siujiawong]

I have watched the video in a rather slow speed, it seems like the plexiglass rod is not in contact with the tinsel at the beginning. DId the electrons just jump through the air? Or indeed the tinsel has an induced charge?

[Testing]

The glass rod became charged by loosing or gaining electrons? thanks for the video.

[kunalzshah]

Brilliant video, ruined by the person's silence. He could have explained whats happening

[rhenzmatthw]

Things with the same charge two positives or two negatives, that's called repel.