Why a balloon sticks to the wall

In summary: Thus balloon sticks to the wall longer.In summary, the conversation discusses the behavior of a negatively charged balloon sticking to a wall and the factors that affect its duration. The balloon initially sticks to the wall due to induced positive charge, but eventually falls down due to repulsive forces. In dry air, the transfer of charge is slower, allowing the balloon to stick to the wall for a longer period of time.
  • #1
jace
2
0
I cannot find this in my book and i cannot wrap my brain around it...i am more of an analytical person...

The question is-A negatively charged balloon is sticking to the wall. Does this mean that the wall is positively charged?Explain.Eventually, the balloon falls down. Explain why. The balloon will stick to the wall longer when the air is dry. Explain Why.


2. None



The Attempt at a Solution



Why would we assume the balloon takes on a negative charge and the wall a positive one? The balloon falls, equilibrium is reached and the attractive force is diminished, correct? The balloon sticks to the wall longer when it is dry outside due to the fact that the charges do not dissipate in the dry air as easily as it does on humid days.
 
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  • #2
When a negatively charged ballooon is close to the wall, positive charge is induced on the wall, which attracts the balloon. When the balloon is in contact with the wall, some negative charge is transferred to wall making it negative. Due to repulsive force balloon falls down. In dry air wall is dry, and hence transfer of charge from balloon to wall is slow.
 
  • #3


The reason a balloon sticks to a wall is due to the phenomenon of static electricity. When the balloon is rubbed against certain surfaces, it gains extra electrons, giving it a negative charge. The wall, being a good conductor of electricity, will have its electrons move to the opposite side, creating a positive charge. The opposite charges attract each other, causing the balloon to stick to the wall.

However, this is not a permanent attraction. Eventually, the balloon will fall down due to several factors. One factor is that the surface of the wall may not be perfectly smooth, causing small pockets of air to form between the balloon and the wall, reducing the overall attractive force. Another factor is that the charges on the balloon and the wall can dissipate over time, reducing the strength of the attraction.

In terms of the effect of dry air on the duration of the balloon's stickiness, it is important to understand that humidity plays a role in the conductivity of air. When the air is dry, it contains less water molecules which act as conductors. This means that the charges on the balloon and the wall will not dissipate as quickly, resulting in a longer duration of stickiness. On the other hand, when the air is humid, it contains more water molecules which act as conductors, allowing the charges to dissipate more quickly, reducing the duration of stickiness.
 

1. Why does a balloon stick to the wall?

A balloon sticks to the wall because of the forces of static electricity. When the balloon is rubbed against a surface, it becomes charged with electrons. This charge creates an attraction between the balloon and the wall, causing it to stick.

2. How does a balloon become charged with electrons?

A balloon becomes charged with electrons through a process called frictional charging. When the balloon is rubbed against a surface, such as hair or clothing, some of the surface's electrons are transferred to the balloon, giving it a negative charge.

3. Why does a balloon stick to some walls but not others?

A balloon will only stick to certain walls because not all surfaces are good conductors of electricity. A surface needs to have a different charge than the balloon in order for the static electricity to create an attraction and cause the balloon to stick.

4. Can other objects besides a balloon stick to a wall?

Yes, other objects can stick to a wall due to static electricity. This includes items like socks sticking to clothing in the dryer or hair sticking to a balloon. However, the material and surface of the objects can affect how well they stick.

5. How can I make a balloon stick to the wall for a longer period of time?

To make a balloon stick to the wall for a longer period of time, you can try rubbing the balloon against different surfaces, using a larger balloon, or increasing the humidity in the room. These factors can affect the strength of the static charge and thus, the duration of the balloon's stickiness.

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