Final answer:
An electrically charged balloon will cause polarization in the uncharged soda can, making it roll toward the balloon due to electrostatic attraction. This is demonstrated in PhET Interactive Simulations.
Step-by-step explanation:
When an electrically charged balloon is placed close to an uncharged soda can, the balloon will induce a redistribution of electrons in the can, a process known as polarization. This happens because the negatively charged balloon repels the electrons in the can, causing them to move as far away from the balloon as possible. This leaves the side of the can closest to the balloon with a positive charge. The attraction between the oppositely charged balloon and can causes the can to roll toward the balloon, demonstrating static electricity and electrostatic attraction.
This phenomenon can be explored through interactive simulations like the PhET Interactive Simulation – Balloons and Static Electricity, which help students visualize how static electricity works. The PhET Explorations simulated activities illustrate how rubbing a balloon against a sweater transfers electrons to the balloon, making it negatively charged, and how objects react to the presence of static electric charge.