Abstract
Electrification by rubbing different materials is a well-known phenomenon with a history that began more than five centuries B.C. ago. However, simple experiments can lead to contradictory or inconsistent results, and the history of this phenomena is plagued with non-intuitive results. For example, triboelectric charging by rubbing identical materials is possible. In this work we want to highlight some historical aspects of triboelectricity that could enrich the discussion of electrostatics in an undergraduate physics course. We will focus on the effect of strain on the triboelectric properties of a sample, which we think is not well known to physics teachers. We will show that it is possible to obtain robust polarities by rubbing identical rubber balloons of different radii and we will also show that this charging method can be very useful in introductory physics courses.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
