======Rolling a Soda Can With Static Electricity======


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**Materials: **{{$demo.materials_description}}\\
**Difficulty: **{{$demo.difficulty_description}}\\
**Safety: **{{$demo.safety_description}}\\
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**Alternative titles:** Aluminium Can Static Roll
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====Summary====                   
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====Procedure====  
  - Inflate a balloon.  
  - Rub the balloon on your hair or a jumper to build up static charge.  
  - Place an empty, clean aluminium can on its side on a smooth surface.  
  - Hold the charged balloon close to the can without touching it.  
  - Slowly move the balloon away. The can should begin rolling and follow the balloon.  
  - Recharge the balloon as needed to keep the can moving.



====Links==== 
How to make a Soda Can Roll with Static Electricity - Kids Fun Science: 
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Aluminium can static roll - Questacon: 
{{youtube>SUa7CcdX8Hw?}}\\

📄 Aluminium can static roll - Questacon: [[https://www.questacon.edu.au/learn-and-play/activities/aluminium-can-static-roll]]\\


====Variations====
  * Try using a cardboard tube or plastic bottle instead of an aluminium can and compare results.  
  * Test on different surfaces (wood, plastic table, carpet) to see how rolling is affected.  
  * Use two balloons charged in the same way and compare how strongly they attract the can.



====Safety Precautions====
  * Avoid performing near electronic devices, as static discharge may damage them.  
  * Keep balloons away from young children who may choke on broken balloon pieces.




====Questions to Consider====
  * Why does the aluminium can roll toward the balloon? (The negative charge on the balloon repels electrons in the can, leaving the near side slightly positive, which attracts the balloon.)  
  * Why doesn’t the cardboard tube roll as easily? (It is an insulator, so charges cannot move freely inside it.)  
  * What happens when the balloon loses its charge? (The can stops rolling, but rubbing the balloon again restores the effect.)  
  * How is this related to lightning? (Both involve the buildup and discharge of static electricity due to charge imbalance.)