Question

Give details as to why your hair stood up or the balloon stuck to the wall?

Answer 1

There are two main reasons why hair can stand up on end. The first reason is due to static electricity. When there is a build-up of static electricity in the hair, it can cause the individual strands to repel each other, standing up and creating a "frizzy" appearance. This can happen in dry environments or when rubbing materials together, such as when taking off a hat or sweater. The second reason for hair standing up is a natural response called piloerection. This response is triggered by a surge of adrenaline in the body, causing the muscles at the base of the hair follicles to contract and pull the hair upright. This response is commonly known as getting goosebumps.

A balloon sticking to a wall is also due to static electricity. When the balloon is rubbed against a material such as wool or hair, it becomes charged with static electricity. The charged balloon then attracts neutral objects, such as the wall, creating a temporary bond between the two surfaces. This phenomenon occurs because the charges on the balloon and the wall are opposite in nature, causing them to be attracted to each other.