Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hi there, I am doing the project: How Well Do Different Materials Create Static Electricity? I have followed all the instructions on how to make the electroscope. Whenever it says to rub the balloon on the material you are testing and quickly put the electroscope on top of that material, mine isn't working. It says that the "aluminum ball" attached to the tip of the straw should move away from the aluminum pan. Whenever I do it, it stays there, it doesn't move at all. I am aware that it says to not grab the electroscope by the pan, but to grab it from the Styrofoam Cup. Could you maybe tell me what I might be doing wrong, or common mistakes so I can compare them to mine? Thank you so much.
P.S I would appreciate it if you could get back to me ASAP, my project is due in 3 days!!!!!

What kind of weather conditions are you having? There is an important note at the top of the procedure, and this can make a difference.

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... #procedure

Were you able to get it to work after trying again?

Amy

There are also some suggestions in this post for troubleshooting:

viewtopic.php?t=13682

Amy

Hi, yes , it is cold outside and it has not rained in a week so it can't be the humidity