Why is the balloon sticking to the wall?

In summary, the electrons are not able to move freely through the balloon, so it stays against the force of gravity.
  • #1
seratia
38
4
When you negatively charge a balloon, by rubbing it on clothes, and then placing it against the wall, why doesn't the electrons move to the wall, causing the balloon to drop?

I would have thought the electron transfers to the wall - therefore an example of conduction.

Why is it induction and sticks to the wall, rather than conduction and the balloon falling down.
 
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  • #2
seratia said:
I would have thought the electron transfers to the wall - therefore an example of conduction.
Why is it induction and sticks to the wall, rather than conduction and the balloon falling down.
The balloon is rubber or some other nonconductive material so the electrons cannot move freely through it. The attractive force between the electrons and the wall is not strong enough to drag the electrons through the balloon material so they stay put. Or in terms of Newton's laws: the net force on the electrons is zero because the electrostatic force between them and the wall is balanced by the force of the balloon material on the electrons; the balloon material is exerting a force on the electrons so the electrons are exerting an equal and opposite force on the balloon material; this force is pushing the balloon against the wall; and friction between the balloon and the wall keeps the balloon is place against the force of gravity.
 
  • #3
Nugatory said:
The balloon is rubber or some other nonconductive material so the electrons cannot move freely through it. The attractive force between the electrons and the wall is not strong enough to drag the electrons through the balloon material so they stay put. Or in terms of Newton's laws: the net force on the electrons is zero because the electrostatic force between them and the wall is balanced by the force of the balloon material on the electrons; the balloon material is exerting a force on the electrons so the electrons are exerting an equal and opposite force on the balloon material; this force is pushing the balloon against the wall; and friction between the balloon and the wall keeps the balloon is place against the force of gravity.

I wonder why they can't explain it like this in textbooks. They just expect you to take it at face value. Even the high school teacher doesn't seem to know this explanation. He just knows that it's "induction". And then they expect you to solve problems, when they did 0 teaching.
 
  • #4
well, induction is still needed - without it, there wouldn't be an attractive force between the electrons and the wall.
 

1. Why is the balloon sticking to the wall?

The balloon is sticking to the wall due to static electricity. When you rub the balloon against your hair or a piece of fabric, it becomes negatively charged. This negative charge attracts the positively charged wall, causing the balloon to stick.

2. Can the balloon stick to any surface?

Yes, the balloon can stick to any surface that has a different charge than the balloon. This includes walls, ceilings, and even other balloons.

3. Why does the balloon stick for a while and then fall off?

The static electricity that causes the balloon to stick to the wall can weaken over time due to factors such as humidity and air currents. Eventually, the charges will equalize and the balloon will fall off.

4. How long will the balloon stay stuck to the wall?

This depends on various factors such as the humidity level in the room, the type of surface the balloon is sticking to, and the strength of the static charge. In some cases, the balloon may stay stuck for several minutes, while in others it may only last a few seconds.

5. Can I make the balloon stick to the wall for longer?

Yes, you can increase the amount of static electricity on the balloon to make it stick to the wall for longer. This can be done by rubbing the balloon against your hair or a piece of fabric for a longer period of time.

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