Van de Graaff generator - Hair
Van de Graaff generator - Hair
Monster High Toy

 

Code Number: 5B10.10

Demo Title: Van de Graaff generator - Hair

Condition: Good

Principle: Electrostatics

Area of Study: Electricity & Magnetism

Equipment: 

Van de Graff generator, milk crate stand, one person with fine long hair.

Procedure:

Have the person stand on the milk crate and away from any metal objects.  Have them put their hand on the Van de Graaff and turn it on.  After a few seconds their hair should start to stand up and repel.  Shaking the hair during this process helps.

Put fresh batteries into the Frankie Stein doll demo and press the large button in the front.  There is a mini Van de Graaff in the demo that will charge her hair so that it stands out very well.  If it is humid, you may have to charge and discharge her several times so that you can get a quicker reponse when you need to do the demo.

References:

  • Johanna Miller, "X rays peer inside a magnet", Physics Today, Vol. 70, September 2017, P. 17
  • Carson I. A. Ritchie, "The Electrified Wig", Making Scientific Toys, p. 154.
  • Borislaw Bilash II, David Maiullo, "Generating Electrostatic 'Phun'", A Demo a Day: A Year of Physics Demonstrations, p. 246.
  • W. Bolton, "Electrostatic Charges and Hair", Book 4 - Electricity, Physics Experiments and Projects, 1968, p. 108.
  • Rudolf F. Graf, "A Hair Raising Experiment", Safe and Simple Electrical Experiments, p. 31.
  • Joseph Frick, "# 257 - Experiments with the Electrical Machine - Person on Insulating Stool", Physical Technics: Or Practical Instructions for Making Experiments in Physics and the Construction of Physical Apparatus with the Most Limmited Means, p. 281.