Transfer of Charges

Everything around us is made up of very tiny particles called atoms. These atoms contain two types of charges:

1. Positive charge (which stays in the center of the atom)
2. Negative charge (which moves around the center)

When both charges are balanced, the atom is neutral (neither positive nor negative). Since all objects are made of atoms, they are normally neutral.

But sometimes the balance of these charges gets disturbed. This can happen when two objects are rubbed against each other. 

• Negative charges (electrons) from one object can move to the other object.
• The object that gains negative charges becomes negatively charged.
• The object that loses negative charges becomes positively charged.

Electric charge

1. Aim: To observe how different objects behave when rubbed with materials like polythene, nylon, or silk and to check if they attract small paper pieces by becoming electrically charged.

2. Requirements: balloon, ballpoint pen refill, eraser, wooden ruler, steel spoon, small paper pieces and copper strip.

Materials for rubbing: Polythene, nylon cloth, cotton cloth, silk cloth, etc.

3. Procedure

• Bring each object (like a balloon or pen refill) close to small paper pieces and observe if they get attracted.
• Rub each object with materials like nylon, polythene, or silk.
• After rubbing, bring the object near the paper pieces and observe if they get attracted.
• Record your observations of all objects and rubbing materials in the chart.

4. Conclusion: Some objects become electrically charged when rubbed with specific materials and attract paper pieces. Objects like balloons and plastic refills get charged easily, while metals like steel or copper do not. This experiment shows that rubbing transfers charges, causing some objects to attract lightweight materials like paper.