Levitating Orb: Magic or Science?

Question: How does the orb size affect levitation?

Hypothesis: I predict that when you make the orb bigger it will be heavier and therefore easier to control.

Materials: 

Picture
  • PVC pipe
  • Mylar tinsel
  • Fur
  • Scissor
  • Ruler

Safety Procedures:

1.Make sure you don't bonk anyone in the head with the pipe!
2.Be careful when using scissors!

Procedure: 
Step 1: Make tinsel orb
A: Get 6 strands of Mylar tinsel
B: Line up the strands of tinsel
C: Tie a knot connecting all 6 strands
D: Make sure knots are 6 inches apart
E: Cut off excess tinsel on each end 
Step 2: Charge pipe by rubbing it on fur
Step 3: Hold orb above pipe (by the knot) and drop onto pipe. The orb should touch the pipe then start floating above it            

The Science behind it

Its is all about static charges. Similar static charges repel away from each other. When you rub the pipe on the fur, you give the pipe a negative static charge. The orb is attracted to the pipe at first because the orb has positive charge. As soon as the orb touches the pipe, it picks up a negative charge from the orb and levitates! The orb will also take on more of a ball appearance when charged since all the tinsel strands are repelling away from  each other. The orb is attracted to other objects around you - including you. That is because most objects (including you) have a positive charge.  

Conclusions: In conclusion, I accept my hypothesis. We tested and observed the flight of bigger orbs.  The bigger or heavier orbs floated closer to the pipe and were easier to control.

About Author 1

Liam McGurk, above average 10 year old boy, is in Mrs.Gronert's 5th grade class. His specialty in school is history and his specialty outside school is football. His weakness is McDonald's triple cheeseburger

About Author 2

Riley Westerman, superior 10 year old young man, Is in Mrs.Carvo's 5th grade class. His specialty is math in school and outside school basketball. His weakness is Taco Bell's tacos.