UIUC Physics Lecture Demo: Pith Balls

UIUC Physics
Lecture Demonstration
Database

Demo # 160

Pith Balls

ID # 160

Description:

A rubber rod is rubbed with fur and then brought near a hanging pith ball. The rod repels the pith ball if they have the same charge, and attracts it if they have opposite charges. A glass rod with silk can also be used.

Picture of Pith Balls

Physics Concept:

Electricity and Magnetism
Electrostatics
Coulomb's Law

The demonstration takes about 1 minute to perform.