Question

we have many experiences of electrostatic interaction in our everyday lives. what is one example where you experienced static electricity? describe what you think happened to the subatomic particles of the atoms in the objects that led to the interactions you saw, and use the reading, simulation, and models from class to support your explanation. words to use: electrons, charge, positive, negative, repel, attract

Explanation:

One common example of static electricity is when you rub a balloon on your hair. Rubbing the balloon on your hair causes electrons to transfer from your hair to the balloon. This gives the balloon a negative charge and leaves your hair with a positive charge. Opposite charges attract, so the negatively - charged balloon will attract small pieces of paper (which are neutral but can be polarized) or your positively - charged hair. Another example is when you take off a wool sweater and hear a crackling sound. Friction between the sweater and your clothes or skin causes electrons to be transferred. When the sweater (with an excess or deficit of electrons) comes near other objects, electrostatic interactions occur. For instance, if the sweater has a negative charge, it can attract small dust particles (which can be polarized) due to the attraction between opposite charges.

Answer:

One example is when you rub a balloon on your hair. Electrons transfer from hair (losing electrons, becoming positively charged) to balloon (gaining electrons, becoming negatively charged). Opposite charges attract, so the balloon can attract small objects. Another example: taking off a wool sweater. Friction causes electron transfer. If the sweater has a charge (e.g., negative), it can attract neutral objects (due to polarization) as opposite charges attract.