Why is cling film so sticky when it touches itself or around bowls but it does not feel sticky at all when it touches our hands?

Question

Why is cling film so sticky when it touches itself or around bowls but it does not feel sticky at all when it touches our hands?

In: Physics

Answer 1

The cling film uses static charge, just like when you rub a balloon on your hair and then stick it to a wall (great home science fun for 5-year-olds). The electrostatic charge is caused by friction, which can make the electrons around an atom jump off or on. Less electrons gives the surface a positive charge, more electrons gives it a negative charge.

The Saran Wrap is a good insulator, and holds on to the electrostatic charge when it’s unwrapped, and lets it attach to other surfaces that are good insulators, like glass. But it loses its charge and doesn’t stick to bad insulators, or conductors, like metal, or your skin.