Ball and Can: Testing Experiment

Aim

To test the model of the internal structure of the metal can.

Prior Knowledge

Positive and negative charge; the models of internal structure of metals and plastics from the previous videos.

Description of the Experiment

An aluminum foil bit hanging from a string is positioned near a metal pop can so that it touches it. Alan brings a tube that he rubbed with felt near the can without touching it. Predict what will happen to the bit.

Addtional Information

The charged tube will not touch the can!

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Questions

  1. Describe everything you observed in the experiment.
  2. Did the outcome of the experiment match the prediction? If it did not, how can you change the model of the internal structure of the can and the bit to account for the observed outcome?
  3. Why did Alan do the second part of the experiment?