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5A40.20-Attracted soda can

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Description: Polarize a metal soda can with a charged rod.

Equipment:

  • Metal soda can.
  • Rods and Fur.
  • Long flat surface.

Demonstration Procedure:

  1. Bring a neutral rod near the neutral soda can and note that nothing happens.
  2. Charge up the rod using the fur and bring it close to the soda can.
  3. The can will begin to roll toward the rod due to polarization (much like the pith ball demo).
  4. You may use a different rod and fur and ask students what will happen now. Some will say it will push the can away (misconception).

Note: As with most electrostatic demonstrations, this works best under 50% humidity.