Lesson – Separating Salt and Pepper with Static Electricity Lab

Problem Statement

How does static electricity work?

Materials

• Balloons
• Piece of Wool, Carpet, or Hair
• Salt
• Pepper

Procedure

1. Blow up two balloons.
2. Rub each balloon on your hair, a carpet, or with a piece of wool for about 30 to 45 seconds.
3. Sprinkle some salt onto a plate or tabletop.
4. Bring the charged balloon near the salt.
5. What happened? Why?
6. Now, sprinkle some pepper onto the table so that you have a mixture of salt and pepper.
7. Do you think you might be able to separate the salt from the pepper?
8. Bring your charged balloon near the pile of salt and pepper particles.
9. What happened?
10. Which pieces were picked up more easily?
11. Is this a good way to separate salt and pepper if they accidentally get mixed?