Fun with Static Electricity

Dr. Forrester guides viewers through a series of experiments demonstrating static electricity using a balloon, cereal, and water. The video explains how static electricity works, contrasting it with current electricity, and highlights the importance of the scientific method in conducting experiments. The experiments illustrate the attraction and repulsion of objects due to static charges and the safe handling of electricity.

What causes the cereal to initially be attracted to the balloon in the experiment?

• The balloon is heavier than the cereal.

• The cereal is magnetic.

• The balloon has a positive charge.

• The balloon has a negative charge.

What is necessary for current electricity to flow through a circuit?

• The circuit must be made of rubber.

• The circuit must be broken.

• A closed circuit must exist.

• A switch must be open.

How does a light switch control the flow of current electricity?

• By increasing the resistance.

• By changing the voltage.

• By opening and closing the circuit.

• By altering the frequency.

Why does the stream of water bend towards the balloon in the experiment?

• The water is positively charged.

• The water is negatively charged.

• The water is magnetic.

• The water is neutrally charged and attracted to the balloon's negative charge.

Why is it dangerous to have current electricity near water?

• Water is an insulator.

• Water is a conductor and can cause electric shock.

• Water increases the voltage.

• Water decreases the current.