Outcomes

Specification References

2.24 explain electrostatic phenomena in terms of the movement of electrons

2.25 recall the potential dangers of electrostatic charges, e.g. when fuelling aircraft and tankers

2.26 recall some uses of electrostatic charges, e.g. in photocopiers and inkjet printers

Demonstrate the balloon sticking to a wall, ask pupils to think about what happens at each stage to the charges

Go through how the balloon stays attached to the wall and then look at the two insulated spheres and how charge can be induced and then separated. Link to gold leaf electroscope from previous lesson, how the leaf moved even before the rods touched the top.
Uses and dangers of static charge; photocopier, car spraying, precipitator, refuelling aircraft, lightning). The pupils use this worksheet to record an account of the movement of charge and other significant detail. Could also look at static sensitive electrical components and how they are protected.

Think of the different ways to prevent the build-up of static charge and how best to prevent a fire starting.

Video 77- electrostatic painting, 1h 30mins 30secs into the video. To be transferred to click view.
An advert for electrostatic painting can be used as a visual aid, but not as good as the video.
Balloon and a wall
Two insulated metal spheres, rod and duster, nanocoulomb meter