Trending friction wall trick leaves netizens amazed and here's the science behind it

A viral online trend has been catching the attention of many young people, showing ordinary objects seemingly sticking to walls without the use of glue or tape.

According to Kuya Kim's report on "24 Oras," Tuesday, the "friction wall trick" involves pressing an object against a wall, sliding it upward, and letting go, only for it to stay in place.

Items such as pencils, ballpens, brooms, staplers, makeup tools, and even small stools have been featured in videos circulating on social media.

One of those who tried the trend was Teacher Minerva Polvera. Her students demonstrated the trick inside their classroom.

"Pagpasok ko, meron nang mga nakasabit. Ballpen, lapis, tapos mga walis. Pinakita nila kung paano. Excited naman sila. They are just learning and having fun, so why not na makisali na rin sa kanila?" she said.

Physicist Ryan Victorio explained that the effect is caused by a combination of friction and temporary physical changes on the wall's surface.

"The concept ng friction doon sa friction wall, tumutukoy sa kahit anong bagay na nagko-cause ng delay, ng stress, ng conflict or confusion sa physical space," he said.

He said that when an object is pressed and rubbed upward against a wall, friction builds up and creates static electricity.

"'Yung pag-rub nung object dun sa wall, nag-cause 'yun ng pag-charge nung isang object kaya 'yung object na hawak-hawak ng estudyante, dumikit siya temporarily doon mismo sa tinatawag na friction wall," he said.

However, the effect does not last long, as static forces are weak and can only hold lightweight objects for a short period.

"'Yung static forces, weak kasi 'yan. Weak na force 'yan. So temporarily lang 'yung pag-hold or pag-attract mismo nung object. As long as kaya nung tinatawag na static forces i-overcome 'yung tinatawag na gravitational force," Victorio said.

"So 'yung sa kaso nung upuan na dumidikit sa wall ay mukhang imposible yata 'yun, ano? But kung 'yung mismong upuan ay gawa sa light materials, puwede naman pero panandalian lamang." —Carby Rose Basina/MGP, GMA Integrated News