Physics Demonstrations at Cal Poly Pomona
Demo Index:
Pira Index:
Title:
Description:
Demonstrates the principle of electrostatics.
Equipment:
1. Van de Graaff generator
2. Insulated platform
3. Plastic box containing: Electrostatic plume, electric popcorn, electric whirl, pie tins, wand w/foil ball
4. Sphere on a stand
5. Tin can (Hersheys) w/ styrofoam
6. Large plastic beaker
7. Fluorescent tube (stored in foam ‘bag’)
8. Neon spectral tube
Procedure:
1. Have student stand on platform & place hand on top of Van de Graaff. Do not remove hand from the surface.
3. Turn on Van de Graaff and observe student’s hair.
4. Turn off Van de Graaff, use grounding wire (attached to base of generator) to discharge sphere, and allow student to withdraw hand.
5. Place each equip. item (3-5), one at a time,on top of the Van de Graaff and turn it on. Use the metal-tipped lead attached to the bottom of the Van de Graaff to discharge it each time before touching.
