I was just reading a website about electrostatics (revision for exams) and there was a 'try this at home'... take a ruler and a few (quite, or very small) pieces of paper then rub the ruler with a jumper sleeve (or that's what I did) then place the ruler just above the small pieces of paper and due to electrostatic charges the paper will jump and be attracted to the ruler.

 

It's one of those simple things that everyone can do at home!

 

This is one of those single posts threads, no reply expected, just thought it was quite cool - you just see it happend and it's like that's why I love physics!

 

I was doing all the electronics/magnetics yesterday but it just isn't the same as seeing a piece of paper jumping to a ruler!

 

Hmmm, if you try very hard you can get the paper to float in between the table and the ruler, but it's very hard!

 

You can tell I'm bored... revision for exams is soo borin!

rub a balloon on your hair and stick it to a wall, or rub a plastic comb on your sleave and then put it close to a gentle stream of water from a tap (the water Bends towards it).

 

all good stuff

Yeah I've done the balloon one... just making paper jump around can be very amusing when you're bored!!!!

 

It's one of those instantenous things you can do very quickly and is strangely satisfying!

That`s nice dear

 

oh and btw, does this thread have a purpose?

As always dear yes!

 

To inform others how to make little pieces of paper jump around using just a ruler (without physical contact). Whilst enjoying this fun activity participants can also learn about electrostatics which is an important scientific theory under the branch of physics.

 

and you couldn`t attatch this little gem of wisdom to an existing ES thread?

 

maybe it`s just me, but it hardly seems Thread Worthy

There hasn't been a thread on electrostatics for ages... what's the point in bumping an old thread and partially changing the topic of it anyway?

 

I can see where this is heading though... lets just drop the subject and leave the thread how it is so that those who wish to read it may, it's not really harming anyone.

Maybe there should be a sticky in general science with little '1min @ home experiments'?

Hmmm... not a Bad idea!

the new sticky is in place, you have 12 hours to put your original post in there before I remove this thread.

 

this thread is now closed also.