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J1-24. Electrostatic Hair Raising

Purpose

To demonstrate electrostatic repulsion in a dramatic way.

Equipment

Van de Graaff generator with ground sphere, styrofoam block, victim.

Images

J1-24

Description

While standing on a large styrofoam insulating block, touch your hands to the top of the Van de Graaff dome, then have someone turn it on. The fact that your hair stands on end is a result of the repulsion between charges of the same sign that collect on your hair.