Preview - Charge Interactions Chem/Phys

Insulators -- Charge Behavior

This set of questions uses a PhET simulation modeling charges in a balloon. Begin by playing with the simulation to figure out how everything works. Then click the reset button on the bottom right corner & begin the questions below!

 

Questions

Please answer the questions below.

There are three objects on the simulation -- the sweater, the balloon, and the wall. Would you characterize those objects as conductors or insulators? Why?

How do you expect charge to behave/move as a result?

As you play with the simulation, what do you notice is different in this simulation compared to the previous versions you used with conductors (aside from the fact that these objects are insulators)?

Before moving anything (or click the orange reset button if you already have), what is the charge of each object?

When you rub the balloon against the sweater, what happens? Why? What is the name for this process?

Now bring the balloon near the wall. What happens macroscopically (big picture) between the wall and balloon? What happens microscopically (to individual charges)? Why does the balloon stick to the wall?

In the space below, draw a properly labeled force diagram for the balloon, when it is stuck against the wall. What force prevents the balloon from falling to the floor?

Note: Draw your sketch in the sketchpad below

If the balloon was positively charged instead of negatively as it is in the simulation, would it still stick to the wall? Explain how this situation would be possible in terms of charge behavior and movement.

Notes

These notes will appear on every page in this lesson so feel free to put anything here you'd like to keep track of.