Hooked on Science: Static ghost

Halloween means ghosts, but they're easier to control than you might think.

Materials

• Balloon
• White tissue paper
• Transparent tape

Instructions

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

Jason Lindsey is a science outreach educator with Hooked on Science. Check out his websitehookedonscience.org for webcasts and experiments.