Electricity – Lesson 1
Electrostatics
Summer 2004
Objective:
To investigate the electrostatic force
Method to be used for all Lessons
We will take the “Scientific Method” approach, which will consist of two parts:
1. Each two-student group will perform experiments and draw conclusions and ideas
about the results of the experiments.
2. Each group will discuss their conclusions with the whole class to learn from each
other and refine our ideas.
Experiment 1
a. Find a PVC pipe. Slide a string through the center (a paper clip at the end of the
string might help). Tie the ends of the string together and hang the pipe from the
lab stand on your bench. Use enough string to that the PVC pipe can rotate easily
about its center.
b. Take a paper towel, about one square foot, and bring it near one end of the PVC
pipe, while the pipe is freely hanging. Write what you observe in your journal.
c. Rub the paper towel vigorously back and forth on one end of the PVC pipe. Let
the pipe hang without moving. Now bring the same paper towel near the end of
the pipe that was rubbed. Write what you observe in your journal.
d. Rub both the hanging PVC pipe and a PVC pipe from your partner with the paper
towel. Let one pipe hang without swinging. Now bring the other PVC pipe near
the hanging pipe. Write what you observe in your journal.
When everyone has finished parts a-d, we will discuss our results. Write in your journal
the “science” that was learned from the experiments.
Experiment 2
The instructors will tell the class what type of charge is acquired by a PVC pipe when
rubbed by a paper towel. You can use the PVC pipe as a reference to find the charge on
different objects.
a. PVC pipe ___________ and paper towel ___________
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