why do charged objects pick up small pieces of paper?

Question

thanks

Answer 1

The charged object charges the paper. If the charged object is negative, it will repel electrons in the paper and make the paper positive on the side closer to the charged object, and the two will attract. However, if you super-charge the charged object, the paper will quickly become negative too, and will not stick to the charged object. You can see this happening if you rub a balloon super-hard against your hair, and then trying to pick up pieces of paper. The paper will appear to "bounce" off the balloon -- it's really cool!!

Answer 2

Most commonly - as the charged object (say negative) is brought close to the paper the similar charges in the paper (electrons) are repelled and move into the surface they are sitting on leaving excess positive charges in the paper which leaps to the object as opposite charges attract. Insulators which prevent the charges from easily moving are needed.

Answer 3

The charged object will generally have an excess of electrons. The paper is neutral in charge - less negative (positive compared to the object). Opposites attract. Until enough electrons bleed to the paper that the charges are equal, the paper is attracted.