Electrostatic attraction of toluene

The electrostatic attraction of toluene is observed by bringing a charged bakelite rod and a charged glass rod near to a thin stream of the liquid flowing from a buret.

Liquid from a burette flows down into a beaker in a thin stream. A bakelite rod is rubbed with fur and brought near the stream of liquid and the result observed. A glass rod rubbed with silk is brought near the stream of liquid and the result observed.

Discussion: 

Compare the amount of deflection of the various liquids. What properties of the liquid influence the deflection of the flowing stream?

Credits: 
  • Design
    • John W. Moore University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53706
    • Lynn R. Hunsberger University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292
    • Steven D. Gammon University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83843
  • Demonstration
    • Kelly Houston Jetzer University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53706
  • Video Production
    • Jerrold J. Jacobsen University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53706
  • Text
    • Kelly Houston Jetzer University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53706
    • John W. Moore University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53706
    • David Phillips Wabash College, Crawfordsville, IN 47933