How does a plastic comb attract paper?

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Published on January 2, 2022 by

Static electricity is the build up of an electrical charge on the surface of an object. It’s called “static” because the charges remain in one area rather than moving or “flowing” to another area. You can observe static electricity if you run a plastic comb through your hair, then place the comb near small pieces of paper. The paper is attracted to the comb. This happens because the charged comb induces an opposite charge in the paper and as opposite charges attract, the paper sticks to the comb.

However, do you think like a plastic comb, a metallic comb will also attract pieces of paper? No, you’re wrong! Wondering why is that so? It’s because plastic is not a good conductor of electricity.

The cute and fun illustrations will keep students hooked to the video.

This video satisfies the 3-PS2-3 requirement for third-grade science proficiency.

Students who demonstrate understanding can:

3-PS2-3. Ask questions to determine cause and effect relationships of electric or magnetic interactions between two objects not in contact with each other.

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