Charging by Contact
As one substance is rubbed over another, electrons will be transferred from one substance to
another. One substance will become negative (gain electrons), the other substance will become
positive (lose electrons). You can use an Electrostatic Series Chart to determine charges on the
two substances.
The Electrostatic Series Chart
acetate
glass
wool
cat's fur, human hair
calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), lead (Pb)
silk
aluminum (Al), zinc (Zn)
cotton
paraffin wax
ebonite
polyethylene (plastic)
carbon (C), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni)
rubber
sulphur (S)
platinum (Pt), gold (Au)
[Weak hold on electrons]
[Strong hold on electrons]
The substance with the stronger hold on electrons will take electrons away from the substance
with a weaker hold on electrons and become negatively charged.