5B10.15 - Van de Graaff - Wig and Streamers

Attach the wig to the Van de Graff generator using the Velcro.  The hairs of the wig should stand up and repel each other as charge builds up on the dome.  The hair may be replaced by Kim wipes or the cloth streamers for the same effect.
A section of cat's fur may be set on top of the Van de Graff if a wig or streamer is unavailable.  If not taped down the cat's fur will fly off the Van de Graff.
Code Number:
5B10.15
Demo Title:
Van de Graaff - Wig and Streamers
Condition:
Good
Principle:
Electrostatics
Area of Study:
Electricity & Magnetism
Equipment:
Van de Graff generator, wig, Kim wipe hair, cloth streamers, section of cat's fur.
Procedure:

Attach the wig to the Van de Graff generator using the Velcro.  The hairs of the wig should stand up and repel each other as charge builds up on the dome.  The hair may be replaced by Kim wipes or the cloth streamers for the same effect.

A section of cat's fur may be set on top of the Van de Graff if a wig or streamer is unavailable.  If not taped down the cat's fur will fly off the Van de Graff. 

References:
  • George W. Ficken, Jr., "Weird Electrostatics Demonstration", AJP, Vol. 42, #2, Feb. 1974, p. 166.
  • Ea-8, Ec-3:  Freier and Anderson,  A Demo Handbook for Physics.
  • Robert A. Morse, "Laboratory Activity 5: The Electrostatic Hydra", Teaching about Electrostatics, p. 3 - 16.
  • George M. Hopkins, "Frictional Electricity", Experimental Science, p. 363.
  • Janice VanCleave, "Fly Away", 201 Awesome, Magical, Bizarre, & Incredible Experiments, p. 108.
  • Rudolf F. Graf, "Making a Paper Spider", Safe and Simple Electrical Experiments, p. 24.
  • Rudolf F. Graf, "An Electrostatic Palm Tree", Safe and Simple Electrical Experiments, p. 25.
  • Joseph Frick, "# 257 - Experiments with the Electrical Machine - The Electrical Spider", Physical Technics: Or Practical Instructions for Making Experiments in Physics and the Construction of Physical Apparatus with the Most Limmited Means, p. 277.
  • "The Head of Hair", Pike's Illustrated Catalogue of Scientific & Medical Instruments, 1984, p. 277.






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