Electricity and Magnetism > Electric Fields and Potential > Electric Fields
DCS# 5B10.10

ELECTROSTATIC HAIR-RAISING



APPARATUS
van de Graaff generator 202-18-E-2
insulated stool 202-18-E
meter stick 202-18-E
volunteer


DESCRIPTION
Have the volunteer stand on the stool and place a hand on the dome of the van de Graaff.  Turn on the VDG and watch as volunteer becomes charged and his or her hair stands on end as the similarly charged strands repel each other.  Turn the VDG off and discharge the volunteer gradually using wooden or plastic meter stick.

NOTES

Make sure the stool and the van de Graaff are sufficiently distant from other metal objects (chalk trays, carts, etc.).