======Van de Graaff Hair Raising======


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**Materials: **{{$demo.materials_description}}\\
**Difficulty: **{{$demo.difficulty_description}}\\
**Safety: **{{$demo.safety_description}}\\
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**Categories:** {{$demo.categories}}
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**Alternative titles:** Electrostatic Hair Demonstration
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====Summary====                   
{{$demo.summary}}



====Procedure====  
  - Place the Van de Graaff generator in an open area of the room.  
  - Set an insulating platform (e.g., wooden stool, milk crate, or plastic bucket) near the generator.  
  - Have a volunteer with long hair (or wearing a wig) stand on the platform.  
  - Ask the volunteer to place both hands on the dome.  
  - Switch on the generator and step back.  
  - Observe the hair gradually rising and separating as electrostatic repulsion increases.  
  - Before the volunteer steps down, turn off the generator and discharge the dome with a grounding rod.



====Links==== 
Long hair vs. Van de Graaff generator - Tibees: 
{{youtube>bVquLXTq4bQ?}}\\

Hair Raising Van de Graaff Generator - FlinnScientific: 
{{youtube>dRAHJV0Uht0?}}\\

📄🎞️ A hair-raising experience with a Van de Graaff generator - TKSST: [[https://thekidshouldseethis.com/post/hair-raising-van-de-graaff-generator-video]]\\


====Variations====
  * Use a wig if no long-haired volunteer is available.  
  * Record the process on video and play back in slow motion to better observe the gradual lift.  
  * Dim the lights and show sparks jumping from the person’s body to a grounded object for added effect.



====Safety Precautions====
  * Always discharge the dome with a grounding rod before the volunteer steps down.  
  * Ensure the volunteer stands on an insulating platform to prevent unintended shocks.  
  * Avoid this demonstration with individuals who have pacemakers or other electronic medical devices.  
  * Perform in dry conditions for best results - high humidity reduces effectiveness.  
  * Keep the generator away from sensitive electronics.




====Questions to Consider====
  * Why do the hairs repel each other instead of staying flat?  
  * What role does the insulating platform play in the demonstration?  
  * Why is long hair more effective for this demonstration than short hair?  
  * How does humidity affect electrostatic demonstrations?  
  * What real-world phenomena does this model (e.g., lightning, static cling)?