Why Are Rubbed Plastic Pieces Attracted to Each Other?

AI Thread Summary
Rubbing two pieces of clear plastic generates static electricity, resulting in a buildup of charge on the surfaces. This process creates opposite charges on each piece, leading to an attractive force between them. The phenomenon is a demonstration of electromagnetic force, specifically electrostatic attraction. The attraction occurs because opposite charges attract, confirming that the rubbing action indeed charged the plastic. Understanding this principle is essential in studying electromagnetic forces in a lab setting.
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1. I'm doing a lab involving electromagnetic force. In the lab I stroked two pieces of clear plastic that were lying on a table. When I held the two pieces of plastic up in the air near each other, they were attracted to one another.

I don't understand why at all? Any ideas?!
Did I give the plastic a charge when I rubbed it ?! If they're attracted doesn't that mean they have opposite charges ?! Help!
 
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The plastic will have built up a static charge yes. Since they were attracted the charges will be opposite.
 

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