static electricity

An astrophysicist has posed an electromagnetism trivia question: if you rub a plastic balloon with wool or a synthetic material and bring it close to an aluminum can resting on a nearly frictionless table, what will the can do? The puzzle invites people to reason about static electricity and induced charge, and is drawing answers and debate from science-minded followers.

Brooklyn-based charging company HEVO is working with Oak Ridge National Laboratory and BMW to evaluate next-generation wireless charging technology for electric vehicles. The collaboration will assess static wireless charging that lets EVs power up without plugging in, building on Oak Ridge's research into high-power wireless power transfer. The move signals growing industry interest in cable-free charging as automakers push to simplify the EV ownership experience.