Bending Water Experiment

Did you know you can bend water using nothing but static electricity? This simple science experiment demonstrates how electric charges interact with water molecules in a fun and hands-on way. Although it may seem like magic, it’s science in action!

Understanding Static Electricity

Before bending water, let’s explore the science behind it. Static electricity results from an imbalance of electric charges on the surface of a material. When two materials rub together, electrons (tiny negatively charged particles) transfer, causing one object to become negatively charged and the other positively charged.

🔎 Explore more with static electricity here.

Recommended Grade Level:

• Grades: 2nd – 6th
• Concepts: Static electricity, electric charge, polarity, attraction and repulsion of charges
• Skills Developed: Observation, scientific method, hypothesis testing

The Balloon and Water Experiment

Bending water with static electricity is an easy science experiment that teaches kids about static charge, polarity, and electric forces in a hands-on way. Whether you use a balloon or a plastic comb, this experiment provides a fascinating demonstration of how electric charges interact with water molecules.

Materials Needed:

• A balloon (or a plastic comb as an alternative)
• A water faucet with a thin stream of water
• Clean, dry hair or wool fabric
• Free science journal pages below

Bending Water Experiment Instructions:

STEP 1: Inflate the Balloon

Blow up a balloon and tie it securely. The size of the balloon does not affect the experiment, but a larger balloon may be easier to handle.

STEP 2: Generate Static Electricity

Rub the inflated balloon against your hair, a wool sweater, or a nylon comb for about 20–30 seconds. This process transfers extra electrons to the balloon, making it negatively charged.

STEP 3: Turn on the Water

Adjust the water faucet to a slow, narrow stream of water (not dripping, but not full force).

STEP 4: Bring the Balloon Near the Water

Slowly move the negatively charged balloon close to (but not touching) the flowing water.

STEP 5: Observe the Bending Water!

Watch as the water stream bends toward the balloon! Try moving the balloon closer or farther away to control the direction of the water.

Why Does Water Bend?

The Science Behind It:

Water molecules are polar, meaning they have a positive end (hydrogen atoms) and a negative end (oxygen atom). When the negatively charged balloon comes close to the water stream, it attracts the positive ends of the water molecules, causing the water to bend toward the balloon. This occurs because opposite charges attract.

Key Science Concepts:

• Electric charge interactions: The balloon has a negative charge, and the positive charge of the hydrogen end of water molecules is attracted to it.
• Polar molecules: Water molecules align their positive end toward the charged object.
• Demonstration of static electricity: The charged object (balloon or comb) exerts an attractive force on the water stream.

Key Terms to Know:

• Electrons – Tiny negatively charged particles that move between objects.
• Positive Charge – An object that has lost electrons.
• Negative Charge – An object that has gained extra electrons.
• Polar Molecule – A molecule, like water, with a positive end and a negative end.
• Attractive Force – A force that pulls opposite charges together.
• Repulsive Force – A force that pushes like charges apart.

Alternative: Using a Plastic Comb

Instead of a balloon, try using a plastic comb!

How to Try It:

1. Rub a plastic comb on clean, dry hair or a piece of fur to charge it.
2. Follow the same steps as above, using the negatively charged comb instead of a balloon.
3. Observe how the water bends toward the comb just like it did with the balloon!

Try This Next: Explore More Static Electricity Experiments

1. Rolling Can Experiment – Use a charged object to roll a can without touching it.
2. Jumping Tinsel Experiment – Make lightweight objects jump using static charge.
3. Electric Cornstarch – Create a fun cornstarch and balloon demonstration.
4. Butterfly Experiment – Use static electricity to make a butterfly’s wings move without touching them!

Add the Scientific Method

Encourage kids to think like scientists by experimenting with different variables:

💡 Learn more about the scientific method for kids here.

• Does the size of the balloon affect the water’s bend?
• What happens with a metal object instead of a balloon?
• Does the amount of charge change the bending effect?
• Can different liquids (like saltwater or oil) bend similarly?

Free Science Journal Printable

Download our Science Process Journal Sheets to record this experiment’s observations, hypotheses, and results! Perfect for adding data tables and testing different variables.

Helpful Science Resources To Get You Started