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Drag balloons and wool to explore charge transfer, attraction, and repulsion.

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Why does a balloon stick to your sweater? Rub a balloon on a sweater, then let go of the balloon and it flies over and sticks to the sweater. View the charges in the sweater, balloons, and the wall.

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Move charges, change their values, and visually observe the force vectors.

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Topics

Description

Visualize the electrostatic force that two charges exert on each other. Observe how changing the sign and magnitude of the charges and the distance between them affects the electrostatic force.

Sample Learning Goals

Relate the electrostatic force magnitude to the charges and the distance between them

Explain Newton's third law for electrostatic forces

Use measurements to determine Coulomb's constant

Determine what makes a force attractive or repulsive

Teacher Tips

Overview of sim controls, model simplifications, and insights into student thinking ( PDF ).

Teacher-Submitted Activities

HTML5 sims can run on iPads and Chromebooks, as well as PC, Mac, and Linux systems.

iPad:
iOS 12+ Safari
iPad compatible sims

Android:
Not officially supported. If you are using the HTML5 sims on Android, we recommend using the latest version of Google Chrome.

Chromebook:
Latest version of Google Chrome
The HTML5 and Flash PhET sims are supported on all Chromebooks.
Chromebook compatible sims

Windows Systems:
Microsoft Edge, latest version of Firefox, latest version of Google Chrome.

Macintosh Systems:
macOS 10.13+, Safari 13+, latest version of Chrome.

Linux Systems:
Not officially supported. Please contact phethelp@colorado.edu with troubleshooting issues.

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Visualize the electrostatic force that two charges exert on each other. Observe how changing the sign and magnitude of the charges and the distance between them affects the electrostatic force.

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Conceptual explanations, simulations, quizzes, and diagrams in a student-friendly format.

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Cast members charge a vinyl record by rubbing it with a wool scarf, and then use the record to demonstrate static electricity in action

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Static Electricity: Snap, Crackle, Jump | PBS LearningMedia

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Rubbing certain materials together can cause the build-up of electrical charges, or static electricity. In this video segment adapted from ZOOM, cast members charge a vinyl record by rubbing it with a wool scarf, and then use the record to demonstrate static electricity in action: The record lifts breakfast cereal right off the table!

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Stunning visualizations of electric fields using semolina and real-life setups.

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Avoid electric shock getting out of a car!

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Avoid electric shock getting out of a car!

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As the weather gets colder and dryer, you are more likely to get shocked when getting out of a car, touching a door knob, or doing laundry. Is there a way to prevent getting shocked on the car door?

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Avoid electric shock getting out of a car!