Playing with Static Electricity

What conclusion can be drawn from the observation where two balloons push apart?

A) Both of these balloons have no electrical charge.

B) Balloon A is electrically-charged, while Balloon B has no charge.

C) Balloon A and Balloon B have opposite charges

D) Balloon A and Balloon B have like charges.

Answer:

If the two balloons push apart, then they have like charges. This is because opposites attract and like charges repel (push away).

When a student brings Balloon B close to Balloon A and the two balloons push apart, the conclusion that can be drawn is that Balloon A and Balloon B have like charges. This means that both balloons have the same type of electrical charge, leading them to repel each other when brought close together.

Opposite charges attract each other, while like charges repel each other. This observation follows the basic principles of static electricity, where objects with the same type of charge will repel each other.

Therefore, in this scenario, the correct conclusion is that Balloon A and Balloon B have like charges, causing them to push apart when brought close together.

Understanding the behavior of static electricity can be both fun and educational. Keep experimenting and learning more about the fascinating world of science!