Why is aluminum foil attracted to a charged balloon just like paper?

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SUMMARY

The discussion explains the phenomenon of aluminum foil being attracted to a charged balloon, similar to neutral paper, due to electrostatic principles. When a balloon is rubbed with wool, it becomes negatively charged, causing nearby neutral conductors like aluminum foil to experience charge polarization. The free electrons in the aluminum foil move away from the negatively charged balloon, resulting in one side of the foil becoming positively charged and thus attracted to the balloon. Upon contact, the charges neutralize, confirming the behavior of conductors in electrostatic interactions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrostatics principles
  • Knowledge of charge polarization
  • Familiarity with conductors and their behavior in electric fields
  • Basic concepts of electron movement in conductive materials
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of charge polarization in detail
  • Explore the behavior of conductors in electrostatic fields
  • Learn about the interactions between charged and neutral objects
  • Investigate the concept of electron mobility in different materials
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Students studying physics, educators teaching electrostatics, and anyone interested in understanding the behavior of charged objects and conductors in electric fields.

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Homework Statement


I have a basic understanding of electrostatics. I know that when I rub a balloon with wool, both the wool and the balloon will become charged. I know that if I bring my charged balloon near neutral paper, the paper will be attracted because of charge polarization. I thought that when I bring my charged balloon near neutral aluminum foil, the foil would be attracted and then quickly repulsed. I expected foil to act like a pith ball, originally attracted then charged upon contact and repulsed. When I do this little experiment at my home, I observe that the foil is attracted to the balloon exactly like the paper.

Why?

Homework Equations


None.
This is a conceptual question.

The Attempt at a Solution


Please, see above.
 
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Aluminum foil is a conductor so the negative charge (electrons) are free to move about the entire medium if no other conductor is touching it. The electrons would move only within the foil away from the negatively charged wool, leaving one side of the aluminum foil with a lack of negative charge, same as positively charged. As long as there's 2 opposite charges, there will be attraction forces between them. When the two objects touch, the charges will neutralize by electrons flowing into the foil. I not sure if the two objects will have zero charge or just have a more evened negative charge though. Hope this helps, its just my understanding from lecture.
 
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