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 tissue paper.
• STEP 2: Using the 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 tissue paper ghost and observe. Describe the cause and effect relationship of the electric interactions between the balloon and the ghost, which are not in contact with each other.

Explanation

The tissue paper 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 tissue paper ghost, causing the ghost to move.