Explain what happens when you rub a balloon against your jumper? - Worksheet - Year 6

When a balloon is rubbed against a jumper, an interesting phenomenon known as static electricity occurs. As the balloon is rubbed on the fabric, electrons, which are tiny negatively charged particles, are transferred from the jumper to the surface of the balloon. This transfer happens because different materials have a tendency to either give up or attract electrons. Since the balloon now has an excess of electrons, it becomes negatively charged, while the jumper, having lost some electrons, becomes positively charged.

The concept of electricity revolves around the flow and movement of electrical particles, such as electrons. When these charged particles move, they create electricity. The power of electricity can vary depending on the number of electrons moving and the speed at which they are moving. In the case of the balloon and jumper, the static electricity that is generated is relatively weak compared to other forms of electricity, such as the current that powers household appliances. Nevertheless, this simple test illustrates the fundamental principles of how electrical charges interact, and how objects can become electrically charged through friction.