Today, we will explore electrical charges and how they interact. When objects are rubbed together, they can gain static electricity. Does anyone know what happens when we rub a balloon on our hair?

Exactly! That's because the balloon acquires a charge when the hair transfers electrons. It's a fun way to see static electricity in action.

Yes! There are positive and negative charges. We can remember this with the acronym P-N for positive-negative. Like charges repel, and unlike charges attract.

Great question! If they both have the same charge, they will repel each other. Let's observe this in our first activity.

Now, let’s inflate two balloons and rub them with wool. Once both are charged, hold them close to each other. What do you see?

That's right! The balloons are both negatively charged, so they repel. Remember our earlier discussion and the mnemonic — if they're same, they'll claim the same space!

Excellent point! In that case, the charged balloon will attract the uncharged one. This is due to the redistribution of charges in the uncharged balloon.

Yes! When a charged object is near one that is neutral, it causes a shift in the position of charges in that neutral object.

Now we will further observe charge interactions. Let’s rub a refill with polythene and cautiously bring it near our inflated balloon. What happens?

Correct! The balloon is negatively charged, and if our refill is positively charged thanks to the rubbing, they attract each other.

Absolutely! Just like clouds build up charges and create lightning when they discharge, we can make a mini version to understand the concept.

Perfect summary! Always remember, while like charges repel, opposite charges make the best dance partners and attract.