When I first did this experiment, I could not believe my eyes. This experiment is fun and mesmerizing, and it is SUPER easy. This experiment is perfect for at home because all you need is a PVC pipe or comb, your hair, and a sink! I hope you enjoy.
Steps:
- Rub your hair against the PVC pipe or comb.
- Turn on the sink so only a very thin stream of water is flowing.
- Hold the comb or PVC pipe beside the stream of water, making sure not to touch the water.
- Watch as the water bends towards the PVC pipe/comb.
Why does the water bend?
When you rubbed your hair against the PVC pipe or comb, the negative parts of atoms, called electrons, gathered on the comb or PVC pipe. Since electrons have negative charges, they are attracted to things with positive charges.
A water molecule (H2O) is composed of 2 hydrogen atoms (each with 1 proton, the positive part of an atom, and 1 electron) and 1 oxygen atom (with 8 protons and 8 electrons). This means a molecule of water has 10 protons and 10 electrons, making it neutral, as a proton and neutron’s charges neutralize each other. The protons are located in the nucleus of their respective atoms, while the electrons move around in a “cloud” around the atoms. Since the oxygen atom is larger, the electrons spend slightly more time around the oxygen atom than the hydrogen atoms, giving the oxygen atom a slightly negative charge and the hydrogen atoms a slightly positive charge.
When the negatively charged comb/PVC pipe is brought close enough to the slightly positive hydrogen atoms, they feel an attraction that is strong enough to pull the water towards the comb/PVC pipe as it is flowing. Isn’t that so cool?
Boyd
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