We Can Figure This Out.org
Virtual Lab: Basic Charge Attraction &Amp; Repulsion (Pithballs)
 University of Virginia
             
 
© 2003-Present, John C. Bean
 
When a little bit of energy is added (by rubbing things together) the atoms of the rod can steal electrons from the fur.

A chemist might say this happens because the fur atoms have a lower "ionization potential."

A physicist would say that the atoms of the rod have a higher "electron affinity."

It amounts to the same thing: The atoms of the rod want electrons more than the atoms of the fur.

 
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