Chapter 6, Problem 1CQ

Explain why a balloon that has been rubbed might stick to a wall for a while.

To determine

The reason for the balloon to stick to a wall after it has been rubbed.

Answer to Problem 1CQ

Rubbing the balloon transfers electrons to the balloon making the balloon negatively charged. When this balloon is brought near a wall, the negative charge on the balloon repels the electrons on the surface of the wall giving a small surface on the wall near the balloon a positive charge. These unlike charges attract causing the balloon to stick to the wall.

Explanation of Solution

Electrons can move from one object to the other by friction. Electrons being negatively charged, the object that receives an excess of electrons becomes a negatively charged object. As the electric charge is confined to an object and is at rest, it is called an electrostatic charge or static electricity.

On rubbing the balloon with an object, because of friction, electrons are transferred to the balloon making the balloon negatively charged. The negative charge on the balloon from an excess of electrons is momentarily at rest making it an electrostatic charge. When this balloon is brought near a wall, the negative charge on the balloon repels the electrons on the surface of the wall giving a small surface on the wall near the balloon a positive charge. These unlike charges attract causing the balloon to stick to the wall.

Conclusion:

When the charged balloon is brought near a wall, the negative charge on the balloon repels the electrons on the surface of the wall giving a small surface on the wall near the balloon a positive charge. These unlike charges attract causing the balloon to stick to the wall.