PITH BALLS ON STAND

 Product Description
Pith Balls on Stand are lightweight, spherical objects typically made from dried plant pith (spongy plant tissue), suspended from insulating threads and mounted on a non-conductive support structure. These classical electrostatics demonstration tools are used in physics laboratories to visually illustrate principles of static electricity, charge induction, electric forces, and Coulomb’s Law. The balls are extremely lightweight and react readily to electrostatic forces when charged objects are brought nearby, making them ideal for teaching foundational electricity concepts. The stand is usually composed of a plastic or acrylic base and vertical support to ensure stability and electrical insulation during experiments.

Uses
Primary Uses
Educational and Physics Demonstration Applications

• Demonstrating static electric forces using charged rods or Van de Graaff generators.
• Illustrating like-charge repulsion and opposite-charge attraction.
• Teaching electrostatic induction and charge separation.
• Exploring basic electrostatic principles such as Coulomb's Law.
• Visualizing how insulating and conductive materials affect electrostatic interaction.
• Demonstrating charge transfer through contact or induction.

Secondary Uses
Experimental and Interactive Learning Tools

• Used in student projects and interactive physics models.
• Enhancing understanding of field lines and invisible forces in electrostatics.
• Demonstrating real-time response to charging, discharging, and grounding phenomena.

Key Attributes
Basic Identification Attributes

• Material (Balls): Natural pith or synthetic equivalent for high sensitivity.
• Threads: Lightweight, insulating threads (e.g., silk or nylon).
• Stand Material: Non-conductive plastic, acrylic, or wood.
• Configuration: Two or more balls suspended closely, enabling charge interaction visualization.

Physical & Chemical Properties

• Weight: Extremely low mass for enhanced sensitivity to static forces.
• Conductivity: Non-conductive balls and threads prevent unintentional charge loss.
• Mobility: Freely swinging and responsive to electrostatic influences.
• Color: Usually white or beige for visibility against lab backdrops.

Safety & Hazard Attributes

• No chemical or electrical hazard.
• Safe for all age levels under teacher supervision.

Storage & Handling Attributes

• Store in dry environments to prevent moisture absorption by pith.
• Keep away from dust, humidity, and direct sunlight.
• Avoid tangling of threads and deformation of the balls during storage.

Regulatory & Compliance Attributes

• No specific regulatory constraints.
• Safe for use in classrooms and demonstration labs.

Environmental & Health Impact

• Biodegradable when made from natural pith.
• Non-toxic and safe for handling and disposal.