As the magician chanted the magic words, the rope responded. Slowly, it appeared above the rim of the basket. Up went the rope. Higher and higher it climbed, until its entire length stretched before the audience.
Things Required:
Plastic foam “peanuts”
1-foot-long thread
Tape
A piece of wool or fur
Balloon
Directions:
Break off a segment of thread about a foot in length. Tie one end of the thread to the peanut. Tape the other end of the thread to the edge of a table. The peanut should hang down from the edge.
Rub the balloon with a piece of wool, fur or your head. When the balloon is charged, slowly bring it closer to the peanut.
The peanut will be attracted to the balloon. As it moves closer to the balloon, slowly raise the balloon. Make sure that the peanut and the balloon don’t touch, or else an unwanted transfer of charges may occurs. Keep raising the balloon until the peanut and thread extend perfectly upright. Keep raising the balloon. How far can it be raised and still support the peanut?
This Is What Happens:
The peanut starts out with its charge distributed evenly over its length. The negatively charged balloon induces a positive peanut region. This positive region and the negative balloon attract.
Since the peanut and thread are relatively light, the force of attraction can produce an interesting effect. The peanut and thread overcome gravity and lift off the table.
