On Monday November 2nd, our Science Class experimented with Static Electricity by have ruler races. To set up for this experiment, we had to choose an ‘engine’ to use on our ruler, out of multiple objects. Our group chose to use garbage bag pieces rubbing against a plastic rod. After we decided our objects, we needed to make a sponsor and engine brand for our ruler. We used Nike as our sponsor and Fiat as our engine brand.
Once the set up was completed, we put our rulers (meter-sticks) on a plastic semi-oval base.
We created a static charge by rubbing electrons off our plastic rods with the garbage bag pieces so they became positively charged. Then we held the plastic rods on opposite ends of the ruler on either side, without touching any of the desk or wood. The plastic rod slowly started pushing the ruler around in circles, picking up gradually picking up speed. Our ruler fully rotated 2 times, which seemed like a huge accomplishment, but students from previous years have easily achieved 20 rotations. After the race, we watched other groups, and it was agreed that rubbing fur against a plastic spoon created the most static charge and moved the ruler the fastest.
Here are some pictures and videos of our race and post-race interview:
By Trevor Thirsk