Salt and pepper

Salt and pepper

Pencil and paperOnline interactive
Overview
Using this Resource
Connecting to the Curriculum
Marking Student Responses
Further Resources
This task is about investigating static electricity.
Instructions
  1. Sprinkle salt and pepper into the saucer and mix together well.
  2. Rub the pen quickly back and forth on the felt or wool.
  3. Hold the pen just above the saucer and move it slowly across the salt and pepper mixture.
  4. Change the speed and height of the pen until you can lift the pepper but leave the salt behind.

Question 1Change answer

a)  Why does the pepper "jump" from the saucer?

Question 1Change answer

b)  Why does the pepper "jump" more easily than the salt?
Task administration: 
This task can be completed with pencil and paper or online.
Level:
5
Curriculum info: 
Science, Knowledge, Physical World
Keywords: 
physical inquiry, energy, electricity, static electricity, exploring, investigation
Description of task: 
Students carry out a simple experiment with static electricity and then explain their findings.
Curriculum Links: 
Science capabilities
The capabilities focus is brought about by the conversations you have and the questions you ask.
 
Capability: Gather and interpret data
This resource provides opportunities to discuss the methodology used in different investigations.
 
Science capabilities: 
Gather and interpret data
Answers/responses: 
a) Any explanation that indicates that the pepper is attracted by the static charges on the pen.
b) The pepper is lighter than the salt and therefore is more easily attracted by the static charges.