Making a metal permanently positive and permanently negative

AI Thread Summary
To create a permanently positive or negative charge on a metal sheet, simple electrostatic experiments can be conducted using basic materials. An electroscope can be made from aluminum strips to detect electric charge, allowing for experimentation with different rubbing agents like plastic and fur. It is possible for a plate to switch from positive to negative charge, and charged plates will exhibit attraction or repulsion based on their charges. Engaging in these experiments can help understand static electricity fundamentals. Exploring these concepts can be both educational and enjoyable.
Hypothesis
Hi
I am in a spot of bother. Actually I live in an under developed country where science and technology is not upto the modern standards and there is very little practical facilities. I want to ask if I have a metal sheet of some thickness how it could be made permenantly positive and permenantly negative and is it possible that a plate is positively charge for one second and it is negatively charged in the other by any means. And lastly if one plate is positive and other is negative will they actually move toward each other and positive-positive will move away from each other.
THANKS!
 
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Hypothesis,
if you're interested in electrostatic experiments, I think it's not a big drawback if you have only simple equipment at hand. On the contrary, since most of the effects have been discovered in ancient times, it should be possible reproducing them with simple equipment today.

First, you need a simple device which reliably indicates electric charge. Two thin strips of aluminum (e.g. from a chocolate wrapper) will do. Hang them down from a piece of uninsulated wire, and stick the wire thru a small bottle's cork from its bottom. Then replace the cork into the bottle, so that the strips hang freely inside. You might want to attach a small metal ball (crumpled aluminum) to the top end of the wire sticking out of the cork. Now you have an electroscope.

Next, try rubbing agents. A plastic ballpen might do. Rub it fast, but not hard, against some fur (I use my own hair), and then try to transfer the electricity to your electoscope. If there is any charge, the aluminum strips will spread apart and stay like this. You can discharge them by touching the conductor ball with your finger.

Play around with different rubbing agents, modify your electroscope, and so on. I'm sure you will discover all major effects in static electricity, and... it's fun!
 
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