Question

When you rub the balloon through your hair, invisible electrons (with a negative charge) build up on the surface of the balloon. This is called static electricity, which means “non-moving electricity” The electrons have the power to pull very light objects (with a positive charge) toward them – like the soda can.

1) Scientists were able to create electric charge only on nonmetallic materials and never on metals. Please explain why?
2) How much water can you put in the can until the balloon can’t pull it anymore?
3)  Does the length of the persons hair effect the power of the static electricity?
5) Does the size of the balloon change the power of the pull?

(PLEASE TYPE ANSWER)

Answer 1

1) in non metals charge can not redistribute itself so deficiencies of electrons could be limited to particular position which could be attractive to light objects

2)it depends upon ratio of forces attracting can and gravity of can as you put more water weight that is effective gravity force increases hence you can't attract anymore.usually small amount of water is enough to stop motion

3) the friction between hair and balloon is the reason, the longer the hair if you rub for some finite times more will be static charge producing more static electricity

5)more the size more will be area of contact due to friction and hence more static charge which increases pull.