Mmastodon ScienceScience first seen 16 h ago, last 23 min ago, peak #4

Physics trivia asks what a charged balloon does to an aluminum can

Original: # Electromagnetism_trivia If you rub a plastic balloon with some wool or synthetic material, and put it close to an alum

An astrophysicist posted an electromagnetism brainteaser: rub a plastic balloon with wool or a synthetic fabric, bring it near an aluminum can resting on a low-friction table, and predict what the can will do. The puzzle tests understanding of static electricity and induced charge, inviting followers to reason through the electrostatic attraction between the charged balloon and the neutral metal can.

Why now: The trivia question is engaging people interested in physics to discuss and answer a classic static-electricity puzzle.

franco_vazzaaluminum canballoon

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Evidence

• # Electromagnetism_trivia If you rub a plastic balloon with some wool or synthetic material, and put it close to an aluminum can, like in the picture, what will the can do? (assume the table has negligible friction on the can) # Electromagnetism # physics # science · franco_vazza · 5

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