Diagram showing what happens when a balloon is rubbed on hair.
Rights: The University of Waikato Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato Published 2 April 2019 Size: 87 KB Referencing Hub media

When a balloon is rubbed on hair, fur or wool, electrons are moved from the hair to the balloon, giving the balloon a negative charge.

Balloon cut-out © Ivan Trifonenko and cartoon woman © ponytail1414. Both licensed through 123RF Ltd.

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    Static electricity and electrical charge

    An electrical charge is created when electrons are transferred to or removed from an object. Because electrons have a negative charge, when they are added to an object, it becomes negatively ...

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