Van de Graaff - Balloons



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 Code Number :   5A20.30

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Reprinted by permission of Dick Berg, University of Maryland, for use on this website.

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Condition :   Good   
Principle :   Electrostatics  
Area of Study :  Electricity & Magnetism  
Equipment :   Van de Graaff, Mylar balloons, no.32 magnet wire.

Procedure :   Blow up the Mylar balloons with helium and attach a 5ft. wire with tape.  Tape the other end of the wire to the dome of the Van de Graaff.  When the Van de Graaff is turned on the balloons will act like the two leaves of an electroscope and fly apart.
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   References

Harry Rheam,  "Static Electricity and Mylar,"  TPT, Vol. 28, # 2, p. 103, (Feb. 1990).

Peter Insley, Chris Chiaverina, and Jim Hicks, "Thermal Expansion Plus", TPT, Vol. 22, # 8, Nov. 1984, p. 530 - 531.

 

"A Mylar Balloon Electroscope," PIRA News, Vol. 8, #  2, p. 13.


Mail Questions and Comments to:  Dale Stille