Ion-Dipole Intermolecular Forces

Here is some fun science at home demonstrating intermolecular forces.

(1)  Procure a balloon and a two year old child.

(2) Convince the child to allow you to rub a balloon vigorously on top of their head.  If needed bribe with M&M's or other candy.

(3) Place the balloon next to a small stream of water coming out of your faucet.

Rubbing the balloon on the child's head will build up a negative charge on the balloon.  The negative charge on the balloon causes the water molecules to orient themselves with their partial positive charge aligned to interact with the negative charge on the balloon.

The water stream will therefore curve around the surface of the balloon.