Lightning!

Student Handout

Indoor Lightning

Procedure

1. Partner 1: Position the paper on a flat surface and hold it in place while watching the clock for partner 2.

2. Partner 2: Rub the paper with the wool, using quick firm strokes, for at least 45 seconds, then place one piece of metal on the center of the sheet of paper.

3. Partner 1: Lift the paper off the surface.

4. Partner 2: Touch the metal.

5. Watch the spark. Repeat the entire process using a different piece of metal.

Type of Metal	Length of time rubbed paper	Observations

Analyzing the Results

1. Compare the sparks from the different pieces of metal. Which piece makes the biggest spark? What happens if you rub the paper for a longer time?

2. What are other ways that you can make static electric sparks in the classroom?

3. How is the illustration below of electrons in lightning related to the experiment you conducted?