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Science Fair Projects on Static Electricity From Clothing Materials

Static electricity is electricity that is created by friction when two objects are rubbed against each other. Completing a science fair project about static electricity can easily be done at home using clothing made from a variety of fabrics. Be sure to collect data and write down your observations for a winning project.
  1. Wool Scarf

    • A wool scarf can be used to create static electricity.

      Tear a sheet of paper into small pieces. Place these pieces on a table. Place a clean comb near the pieces of paper and observe that the comb does not affect the paper in any way. Rub the comb briskly with the wool scarf. Move the comb near the paper again and observe what happens. The pieces of paper should move to the comb. Vary the length of time you rub the comb to observe differences in the charge produced.

    Cotton T-Shirt

    • Rubbing a cotton t-shirt against an object will produce a static charge.

      Turn on the faucet so that the water runs out in a very small but steady stream. Try to make the stream about as big as an uncooked spaghetti noodle. Use a cotton T-shirt to rub the comb vigorously again. Slowly move the comb near the stream of water. The water should "bend" and move toward the comb. Experiment with the length of time you rub the comb to see just how much you can bend the water.

    Silk Scarf

    • Wearing a silk scarf can be a "shocking" experience.

      Tie a piece of O-shaped cereal to one end of a piece of thread that is about as long as from your pinky finger to your elbow. Tie or tape the other end to any object that allows the cereal to hang freely. The piece of cereal should hang several inches away from the nearest object. Rub an inflated balloon vigorously with a silk scarf for about 30 seconds. Hold the balloon near the piece of cereal. The piece of cereal should actually move up and touch the balloon.

    Fleece Jacket

    • You can use static electricity to make a flourescent bulb spark.

      Wrap the white part of a fluorescent light bulb in clear plastic wrap. This is a safety step just in case it breaks. Only use a loose bulb, never one that is still installed in a lamp. Take the bulb into a dark room. Rub an inflated balloon very vigorously with a fleece jacket. You need a good charge for this. Touch the charged part of the balloon to the bulb. You should see small sparks inside the bulb.

    Mix and Match

    • Try exchanging one type of clothing for another in the different experiments and collect data to show the differences, if any. For example, in the cereal on a string experiment try using a wool scarf after using the silk scarf to see which one produces the best charge. Try it with the comb instead of the balloon. Be sure to write down your observations and results each time you make a change.

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