Explore:  The Power of Electrons 

How can I see the power of electrons?

Materials
  • balloon, plastic straw, or spoon
  • water tap
  • cotton or wool sock/cloth
  • tiny pieces of newspaper
  • various light weight items (grain of salt, strands of hair, spinkle of flour...)
  • Power of Electrons Table


  Notebook

Click here to download the instructions for this activity.  Save to your Electricity Notebook.


  Check Your Answers

Once you have completed this activity, check your answers below. 

Item Tested What Happened? Why Did it Happen?
stream of water The water bends toward the straw. When the straw was rubbed, it gained electrons, giving it a charge. The water is attracted to the negatively charged straw.
pieces of paper The pieces of paper are attracted to the straw. When the straw was rubbed, it gained electrons, giving it a charge. The pieces of paper are attracted to the negatively charged straw.