What is needed

• Clear tape (like Scotch tape) dispenser with at least six inches of tape left

What to do

• Take the tape dispenser and pull off about three inches of tape.
• Stick the end of the piece of tape to the end of a finger on one hand.
• Now remove another three inch piece of tape and set down the dispenser.
• Put this piece of tape on the finger on your other hand. Now, you should have pieces of tape dangling on the ends of a finger on each hand.
• Slowly move the free ends of the tape strips toward one another. Do they attract or repel?
• Now, what happens when they are moved toward your computer monitor?

What is happening

When the tape is initially removed from the dispenser, it is given a static charge. Since the pieces of tape are removed from the same source they will have the same charge. Since similar charges repel, the pieces of tape will repel each other when they are close to each other. Depending on the charge of the monitor, the tape will either repel or attract your monitor. Try using different monitors or televisions to see if you notice any difference. YOu might also try turning off and on your monitor to see when it does to the tape.