I gave this balloon a negative electrostatic charge by rubbing it on my hair. Then I tore up bits of paper, and put them on the table. When I brought the balloon near them, they were attracted to the balloon. Why?

1. The negative charge of the balloon induced a positive charge on the paper.

   Yes! The negative charge on the balloon pushes some of the negatively charged electrons in the paper to the far side, leaving the near side with a positive charge. Opposite charges attract, so the paper is attracted to the balloon.

2. The negative charge of the balloon attracts the neutrally charged paper.

   No. As long as the paper is neutral, it will not be attracted or repelled.

3. Tearing the paper gave it a positive charge.

   No. If the paper had a positive charge from being torn, the bits of paper with like charges would have repelled each other before you moved the balloon nearby.

4. Paper is always attracted to balloons.

   No. This is easily tested by using a balloon that has not been rubbed on your hair. Without the positive charge, the paper is not attracted.

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