A student attaches two identical balloons (X and Y) to the ceiling using a nylon thread so that the balloons are near each other. The table shows the observations from three different activities performed with the balloons.What evidence supports that there is a non-contact force between the balloons?

Question

A student attaches two identical balloons (X and Y) to the ceiling using a nylon thread so that the balloons are near each other. The table shows the observations from three different activities performed with the balloons.What evidence supports that there is a non-contact force between the balloons?

Responses

The balloons are not in contact and tend to move away from each other when both are rubbed with wool.
The balloons are not in contact and tend to move away from each other when both are rubbed with wool.

The balloons are not in contact and tend to move away from each other when both are rubbed with rubber.
The balloons are not in contact and tend to move away from each other when both are rubbed with rubber.

The balloons are not in contact and tend to move close to each other when both are rubbed with a glass rod.
The balloons are not in contact and tend to move close to each other when both are rubbed with a glass rod.

The balloons are not in contact and tend to move close to each other when both are rubbed with wool.

Answer 1

The evidence that supports the presence of a non-contact force between the balloons is that they move away from each other when rubbed with wool or rubber, indicating a static electric charge. Furthermore, when rubbed with a glass rod, the balloons move closer to each other, suggesting an attraction due to electric polarization. These observations collectively demonstrate the presence of an electrostatic force between the balloons without physical contact.