Jumping Pepper Electricity Science Experiment
In this fun and easy science experiment for kids we are going to explore static electricity and use it to make pepper appear to jump.
Materials:
- Salt
- Pepper
- Plate
- Plastic hair comb
Instructions:
- Add some salt and pepper to the plate and stir them together. Use equals parts salt and pepper.
- Now take the comb and run it through your hair. The person doing the demonstration must be the one that keeps holding onto the comb.
- Hold the statically charged comb over the bowl and watch the pepper jump. If you get too close, the salt may jump also so play with the distance to get it right.
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How it Works:
As the plastic comb moves through hair, it builds up a negative charge. Things that have a negative charge attract things that have a positive charge. While both the salt and pepper have a positive charge, the pepper is lighter and thus moves more easily and appears to “jump” and separate from the salt.
Make This A Science Project:
Try different items like sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and various spices. Are you able to negatively charge other items like a balloon, plastic utensil, etc. Test to see if the experiment will still work if the items are put in water.
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