College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
5A10.15 - Triboelectric Series
The triboelectric series lists solids that when rubbed together with another on the list the one listed higher receives a positive charge (items lose electrons) and those below it a negative charge (items gain electrons).
6 such lists are:
Smithsonian Triboelectric Series |
Not-So-Common Materials | School for Champions | Triboelectric Series by W. Beaty |
Physics Demonstrations by Julian Clint Sprott |
Triboelectric Series by Thomas B. Jones | ||
Positive (+) Items Lose Electrons
Negative (-) Items Gain Electrons |
Positive (+) Items Lose Electrons
Negative (-) Items Gain Electrons |
Positive (+) Items Lose Electrons
Negative (-) Items Gain Electrons |
Positive (+) Items Lose Electrons
Negative (-) Items Gain Electrons |
Positive (+) Items Lose Electrons
Negative (-) Items Gain Electrons |
Positive (+) Items Lose Electrons
Negative (-) Items Gain Electrons |
Positive (+) Items Lose Electrons
Negative (-) Items Gain Electrons |
Positive (+) Items Lose Electrons
Negative (-) Items Gain Electrons |
|
- Walter Roy Mellen, "Inexpensive Electrostatic Halos", TPT, Vol. 28, #9, Dec. 1990, p. 612.
- Richard J. Fitzgerald, "A Nanovolcano Array", Physics Today, Vol. 71, #5, May 2018, p. 72.
- E-010: "Triboelectric Series", DICK and RAE Physics Demo Notebook.
- Gorazd Planinsic, "You Can Make Sweet Electricity In Your Kitchen", Physics Education, Vol.39, # 1, Jan. 2004, p. 36.
- Robert A. Morse, "Laboratory Activity 1: Separating Charges & Forces Between Charged Objects ", Teaching about Electrostatics, p. 3 - 1.
- Janice VanCleave, "Variation", Geography for Every Kids: East Activities that Make Learning Geography Fun, p. 75.
- Jearl Walker, "5.14, Ski Glow", The Flying Circus of Physics Ed. 2, p. 225.
- Jearl Walker, "5.8, Sweaters, Playground Slides, and Surgery Rooms", The Flying Circus of Physics Ed. 2, p. 50.
- Simon Quellen Field, "The Triboelectric Series", Gonzo Gizmos, p. 59.
- 10.02: R.D. Edge, String & Sticky Tape Experiments.
- R.A. Ford, "Tribolectrification and Contact Electrification", Homemade Lightning, p. 90- 92.
- Robert P. Lanni, "Electrostatics Demonstrations", Apparatus for Teaching Physics, p. 193.
- Rudolf F. Graf, "The Triboelectric or Electrostatic Series", Safe and Simple Electrical Experiments, p. 37.
Disclaimer: These demonstrations are provided only for illustrative use by persons affiliated with The University of Iowa and only under the direction of a trained instructor or physicist. The University of Iowa is not responsible for demonstrations performed by those using their own equipment or who choose to use this reference material for their own purpose. The demonstrations included here are within the public domain and can be found in materials contained in libraries, bookstores, and through electronic sources. Performing all or any portion of any of these demonstrations, with or without revisions not depicted here entails inherent risks. These risks include, without limitation, bodily injury (and possibly death), including risks to health that may be temporary or permanent and that may exacerbate a pre-existing medical condition; and property loss or damage. Anyone performing any part of these demonstrations, even with revisions, knowingly and voluntarily assumes all risks associated with them.