A balloon is rubbed with wool and sticks to a wall. Which statement best explains why the balloon sticks to the wall?

Study for the Abeka Science Matter and Energy Exam. Tackle multiple choice questions, use hints, and access thorough explanations. Get prepared for your test!

Multiple Choice

A balloon is rubbed with wool and sticks to a wall. Which statement best explains why the balloon sticks to the wall?

Explanation:
Rubbing with wool transfers electrons to the balloon, giving it a static electric charge. That charged balloon creates an electrostatic attraction with the neutral wall, so the balloon sticks to the wall. The wall doesn’t need to gain charge itself—the balloon’s charge interacts with the wall to produce the sticking force.

Rubbing with wool transfers electrons to the balloon, giving it a static electric charge. That charged balloon creates an electrostatic attraction with the neutral wall, so the balloon sticks to the wall. The wall doesn’t need to gain charge itself—the balloon’s charge interacts with the wall to produce the sticking force.

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