Question

If you rub an air filled balloon on your hair it is possible to stick on the wall and have it statically remain there. Explain how this is possible and be sure to answer the following questions in your explanation: (A) is the balloon a conductor or an insulator? (B) is the wall a conductor or an insulator?

Answer 1

All physical objects are made up of atoms. Inside an atom are protons, electrons and neutrons. The protons are positively charged, the electrons are negatively charged, and the neutrons are neutral.

Therefore, all things are made up of charges. Opposite charges attract each other (negative to positive). Like charges repel each other (positive to positive or negative to negative). Most of the time positive and negative charges are balanced in an object, which makes that object neutral.

Static electricity is the result of an imbalance between negative and positive charges in an object. These charges can build up on the surface of an object until they find a way to be released or discharged.

The rubbing of certain materials against one another can transfer negative charges, or electrons.

So, when you rub a balloon against your hair and it sticks to the wall, you are adding a surplus of electrons (negative charges) to the surface of the balloon. The wall is now more positively charged than the balloon. As the two come in contact, the balloon will stick because of the rule that opposites attract (positive to negative).

The balloon and the wall both are insulators, but this phenomenon of static electricity is not due to their electrical characteristics but due to the charges present on their surface.

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