1.

Try rubbing any small object with a different material.

2.

Then touch the electroscope loop with the rubbed object, and watch the leaves. If they swing out, that combination produced a charge. If nothing happens, try again to be certain.

3.

Repeat the above steps using as many different objects and materials  as you can (glass, plastic, wood, metal, nylon, wool, fur, polyester, silk, etc.).

NOTE: When using the electroscope in this investigation, always begin each trial by discharging the scope (touching the loop with your finger) to make sure it’s neutral

4.

Keep track of the combinations you try in a table like the one below. If information is organized, patterns are easier to see.

plastic comb

wood pencil

glass jar

MATERIAL

hair

wool

silk

CHARGE?

yes

Take a look at your results. Do you see any patterns? For instance, wool charges your comb, but does it charge everything you rub it with?

Which groups of objects seem to charge up? Plastics? Glass? Wood? Metals? Rubber?