Hooked on Science: Static electricity ghost

Materials

• Balloon
• White tissue paper
• Transparent tape

Instructions

STEP 1: Cut out the shape of a ghost in the white tissue paper.

STEP 2: Using the transparent tape, secure the tail of the ghost to a flat surface.

STEP 3: Inflate the balloon. Vigorously rub the balloon against your shirt. Hold the balloon close to the white tissue-paper ghost and observe.

Explanation

The ghost moves due to static electricity, which is a buildup of an electric charge. Rubbing the balloon against your shirt builds up negative charges on the surface of the balloon. These charges attract to the positive charges on the static ghost, causing the ghost to move.