Demonstration of the type of charge on films and plates

Principle

The pupils see that two isolators, made of different materials, are differenly charged when rubbed. They are able to determine the type of charge with a neon tube or an "electrical balance". They trace back the charging up to a seperation of charge.

Benefits

• Quick and easy experiment for qualitatively understanding of electrostatic phenomena

Tasks

How are fims and plates charged? To investigate using a neon tube and an "electrical balance" how a polycarbonate plate and acetate film are charged by rubbing with paper and by mutual contact.