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How to Transfer an Electrostatic Charge Through Polarization

Polarization occurs when electron charges that are tightly bound to atoms in an insulator retain the freedom of slight motion within that atom. Demonstrating the transfer of electrostatic charge through polarization is as simple as conducting two experiments using common household items. Teachers and homeschooling parents should perform this activity with students of any age when discussing the composition of an atom or the attractive and repulsive nature of forces.

Things You'll Need

  • Plastic comb
  • Paper
  • Socks
  • Carpet
  • Doorknob
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Instructions

  1. Demonstrating Polarization

    • 1

      Wash and dry your hair. The polarization experiment will not work with wet or greasy hair.

    • 2

      Comb through your dry hair several times to transfer electrons from your hair to the comb and give the comb a negative charge.

    • 3

      Hold the comb near a sheet of paper. The paper will move slightly away from the comb due to its negative charge.

    Transferring Electrostatic Charge

    • 4

      Pull on a pair of socks.

    • 5

      Walk across a carpeted floor, rubbing your feet back and forth. This builds up a negative charge just as combing through your hair did in the previous experiment.

    • 6

      Touch a metal doorknob. The shock you feel is the result of the electrostatic charge created as the excess electrons on your body transfer to the doorknob.

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