Electricity and Magnetism > Electrostatics DCS# 5A10.10

CHARGING BY CONTACT

charging by contact

APPARATUS
rabbit fur 202-18-D4
silk 202-18-D3
wool 202-18-D3
hard rubber rod 202-18-D6
glass rod 202-18-D6
electroscope 202-18-C
hanging aluminum ball on stand
202-18-A


DESCRIPTION
Rub together two different insulators to give them opposite charges.  Demonstrate their effects on an electroscope or hanging aluminum ball or a pair of pith balls.
 
NOTES
 
Pairs of materials that have been found to work well:
rabbit fur(+) and rubber rod(-)
wool(+) and rubber rod(-)
rabbit fur(+) and styrofoam block(-)
silk(-) and glass rod(+)
acrylic or nylon rod and plastic bag

Other possibilities:
positive
rabbit fur
glass
mica
wool
silk
cotton
styrofoam
wood
amber
rubber
celluloid
negative

Nylon thread and fishing line are good insulators for suspending charged things.