Water Bending Trick: How Does It Work?

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    Bending Water
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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the phenomenon of bending water using a statically charged comb, which exploits the electric dipole moment of water molecules (H2O). This effect occurs universally across all types of water, as the electric field generated by the charged comb induces a net force on the water molecules. Additionally, the concept of utilizing static electricity for drying purposes is proposed, suggesting that a sufficiently strong electric field could effectively remove water from surfaces.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric dipole moment in molecules
  • Basic principles of electrostatics
  • Knowledge of static electricity and its effects
  • Familiarity with molecular structure of water (H2O)
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of electrostatics and electric fields
  • Explore experiments involving static electricity and water manipulation
  • Investigate the potential applications of static electricity in drying technologies
  • Learn about molecular polarity and its implications in chemistry
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Students in chemistry, physics enthusiasts, engineers exploring innovative drying technologies, and anyone interested in the practical applications of static electricity.

Busin
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I was wondering how the trick where a stream of water is bent with a statically chared comb works. See here: http://chemistry.about.com/od/chemistryexperiments/ht/bendwater.htm" if you don't know what I'm talking about.

Will this work on all water, or does it have something to do with the fact that the water was moving through the pipe or something?

Would it be possible to build a hand dryer which pulls the water off of your hand using static electricity?
 
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It works with all "types" of water. The water molecule (H2O) has what is known as a electric dipole moment; which gives rise to a net force when the molecules are affected by the electric field from the comb (which is carrying excess negative charge in this case) .
 
So could static electricity be used to dry stuff, if it was powerful enough?
 

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