Why do balloons stick after rubbing?
Show answer & explanation
Answer: Static electricity builds up
Static electricity builds up ✓ — Correct! Rubbing transfers electrons from your hair to balloon (triboelectric effect). Balloon becomes negatively charged, hair positively charged. Charged balloon attracts neutral objects (like wall) through polarization—balloon's negative charge repels electrons in wall, leaving positive charges near surface. Opposite charges attract! This is static electricity. Works best in dry conditions (humidity allows charges to dissipate). Hair stands up—like charges repel!
Friction creates adhesive — Wrong. Friction doesn't create adhesive. It transfers electrons, creating static electric charge that attracts balloon to surfaces through polarization.
Air pressure changes — Wrong. Air pressure inside balloon doesn't change from rubbing. Static electricity (electron transfer) causes attraction to walls and other surfaces.