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Home » Electricity for Kids » How to bend water with static electricity

How to bend water with static electricity

Modified: Feb 22, 2023 · Published: Jan 13, 2022 by Emma Vanstone · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Static electricity is the thing that sometimes gives you a little shock when you touch a metal door handle after walking on a carpet. It makes your hair stand on end when you put a woolly jumper on and can be used for lots of fun science experiments and demonstrations.

This static electricity demonstration shows you how to bend water with a balloon. It works because water is a polar molecule ( one end is negative and one positive ) Water molecules stick together because the positive end of one water molecule is attracted to the negative end of another.

Static electricity builds up on an object when the object gains electrons ( which are negatively charged ). The negatively charged object ( in this case a comb or balloon ) attracts the positive ends of the water molecules making the stream of water bend.

Image of a static electricity bending water running from a tap

You’ll need

A tap with running water

Balloon or comb

Hair or a woolly jumper

How to bend water with static electricity

Charge the balloon or plastic comb with static electricity by rubbing it on your hair or a woolly jumper.

Turn on the tap, so a thin stream of water runs gently.

Place the balloon or comb near the stream of water, but not touching it.

The water will bend towards the comb or balloon.

using a balloon to bend a stream of water with static electricity

Why does the water bend?

Water molecules are polar, they have a negative and a positive end. The negatively charged comb or balloon attracts the positive end of the water molecules making the stream of water bend.

More static electricity experiments

Another way to demonstrate static electricity is by making tissue paper frogs jump up to a balloon.

image shows text and an image of static electricity bending water

Last Updated on February 22, 2023 by Emma Vanstone

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Safety Notice

Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

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