Raising Hair with a Van de Graaff Generator

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Raising Hair with a Van de Graaff Generator

PIRA 5B10.10

This classic Van de Graaff demo shows electrostatic repulsion between the hairs on the head of a volunteer or instructor in contact with the generator and insulated from ground. The duct-taped stack of styrofoam with a piece of plywood on top serves well to insulate the victim from ground. Take care to have the electrical cord for the generator well away from the person in contact with the generator. A slightly discomforting shock to the below-the-belt region may result if the cord is close.