The Science Explained
Static electricity is the build-up of an electrical charge on the surface of an object – in this case, the PVC pipe. When you rub the pipe, it builds up a big charge. Objects can have a positive or negative charge, and opposite charges are attracted to each other. Lightning begins as static charges in a rain cloud. As the charges build up, eventually they need to escape or discharge and ZAP! Lightning appears!
Lesson Summary
Explore how lightning forms in this hands-on activity that demonstrates static electricity.
Objectives
The learner will: Model the process of radiation fog formation by creating fog inside a bottle using temperature changes. Explain how cooling at the surface (radiative cooling) leads to fog formation, connecting the bottle demonstration to real-world weather phenomena.
Procedure
Step One
Take a piece of aluminum foil and cut or pull off small pieces. Place on a flat surface.
Step Two
Rub a piece of felt or paper towel over the PVC pipe for one minute.
Step Three
Wave the PVC pipe over the small pieces of aluminum foil.
Step Four
Have students observe what happens, and record observations in their science journals.
Did You Know?
GLM is unique to the GOES-R Series, debuting in 2016 onboard GOES-16. The first GLM images from GOES-16 were captured on February 14, 2017 when lightning was detected within a storm over Texas.