Why Does Brushing Your Hair Give It Volume?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the phenomenon of hair volume when brushed or combed, exploring the underlying physical principles and effects of static electricity on hair strands.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the role of static electricity in hair volume, with some questioning the completeness of initial explanations and seeking further clarification on the mechanics involved.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants providing partial insights and prompting further exploration of the topic. There is recognition of differing perspectives on the explanation of hair volume related to brushing.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the effectiveness of brushing as they age, indicating a potential personal experience factor in the discussion.

pharaoh
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I had this question on the test yesterday,

why does brushing or combing your hair give it "volume"?

my answer was because combing or brushing involve collision (like rubbing) between the particles of different object, making one object to become negatively charg and the pther positively charge.

is my answer is right?
 
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Yes, you're correct. The electrons move from the two objects, making one positive and one negative.
 
thank you for your response!
 
Not to nitpick, but why does that give your hair "volume"? (Complete the explanation.)
 
Is that a general question or is it addressed to me or is it addressed to pharaoh?
 
I was addressing it to pharaoh, of course! He gave a correct, but partial, answer.
 
All I know is the older I get the less it seems to work. I would assume ? directed at the OP.
 
Doc Al said:
Not to nitpick, but why does that give your hair "volume"? (Complete the explanation.)

well, Idon't really have any idea beside the first answer.
 
you're probably overlooking the obvious or thinking too hard. If the brushing causes each hair to stand out and repel its neighbors--ever seen a van de graaf generator demo where each hair is erect--then the perceived volume increases, Now if you have only two hairs on your head, you might look like some alien with antennae.
 

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