Rolling a Soda Can With Static Electricity

A balloon rubbed on hair or fabric becomes charged with static electricity. When brought near an aluminium can lying on its side, the can rolls toward the balloon without being touched, demonstrating electrostatic attraction and the movement of charges in conductors.

1. Inflate a balloon.
2. Rub the balloon on your hair or a jumper to build up static charge.
3. Place an empty, clean aluminium can on its side on a smooth surface.
4. Hold the charged balloon close to the can without touching it.
5. Slowly move the balloon away. The can should begin rolling and follow the balloon.
6. Recharge the balloon as needed to keep the can moving.

How to make a Soda Can Roll with Static Electricity - Kids Fun Science:

Aluminium can static roll - Questacon:

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

• 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.

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

• 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.)