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The mat acts as an insulator. If the mat was not there then the electricity flowing into you will go right into the ground, therefore having no effect to you. Since you are standing on the mat, less electricity goes through the ground, and the electricity gets trapped on you and your hair starts flying due to the repelling forces of same charges.

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12y ago

You Must Stand On A Polystyrene Box When Using A Van De Graaff Because All The excess Charge on Your Feet Will Go On The Ground And Make The Ground Static. If Your Using A Box It Means That The Charge Will Go In The Box And Disappear In To The Atmosphere. Hope This Helps

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Q: Why do you have to stand on a mat when touching a charged van der graaf generator?
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Why does your hair stand up when touching a charged Van de Graaff generator?

The large-radius sphere of a Van de Graff generator holds considerable charge before arc discharge occurs. The Van de Graff generator gathers negative charges and it is released into your body when you touch the sphere. We all know that negatives repel each other so since your hair is charged with negative electrons, they break away from each other (not lie flat on your head) in an effort to repel.


What is the machine when your hair stand on end's?

a van de graff generator


What does vande graff generator do?

A Van de Graaff generator is an electrostatic generator which uses a moving belt to accumulate very high electrostatically stable voltages on a hollow metal globe on the top of the stand.


How do you charge yourself with static electricity using a portable static electricity generator say its strong enough to affect electronics or fine materials like sand or shock people?

Just hold on to the little metal sphere on top of the generator while it's running, and it'll charge you up. If you have fine, dry hair, it'll start to stand up as you get charged. If you're wearing a light scarf over your shoulders, it'll start to billow out away from your shirt or blouse. But you won't be able to stay charged all day as you walk around. Just like any other charged object, your charge will continually dribble away, to the moisture in the air, or to the carpet or the floor that you walk on. And if you think you've ever gotten a spark from touching a metal doorknob or another person before in your life, just try it once while you're charged up ! Whoo lordy ! You could be in for a memorable experience, that cannot hurt you but will certainly get your attention. But I suspect that might be your whole intention. Note: DO NOT reach out and pick up your cellphone, CD player, or mp3 player while you're charged up, or they could be damaged.


After turning off the television you approach it As you get close but not touching it the hairs on your arm start to stand up This is an excellent example of static charge built up by?

get dha h back duhh

Related questions

How a van der graaf generator works?

A Van der Graaf generator is an electrostatic generator which uses a moving belt to accumulate very high amounts of electrical charge on a hollow metal globe to the top of the stand. It is also the name of a metal band.


Why does your hair stand up when touching a charged Van de Graaff generator?

The large-radius sphere of a Van de Graff generator holds considerable charge before arc discharge occurs. The Van de Graff generator gathers negative charges and it is released into your body when you touch the sphere. We all know that negatives repel each other so since your hair is charged with negative electrons, they break away from each other (not lie flat on your head) in an effort to repel.


How does a Van De Graaf generator works?

A Van der Graaf generator is an electrostatic generator which uses a moving belt to accumulate very high amounts of electrical charge on a hollow metal globe to the top of the stand. It is also the name of a metal band.


What is a good sentence with the word generator in it?

The generator provides electricity for Timmy's hot dog stand


Why the crows are not getting electric shock while they stand on electric line?

The birds are only touching one wire and not touching any thing that provides a return path for the current back to the generator. There is a procedure for people to work on energized high voltage lines from a helicopter without getting shocked because they are only touching one wire, so there is no return path available through the person.


What does GEN stand for on the message center of an 1997 dodge B2500 van?

The generator ( alternator ) is not charging properly.The generator ( alternator ) is not charging properly.


What is the machine when your hair stand on end's?

a van de graff generator


Was Michael Jackson's doctor charged?

Yes, he has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and will stand trial.


Does a light use standby power?

A light can operate from stand by power of a generator.


How do i find a engine number on a 68 beetle?

It is located on the bottom of the generator stand.


How do you fix the generator in the Mauville in Pokemon emerald?

Stand next to it, face it, then press a


What is used to mount the motherboard and to prevent it from touching he metal portions of the case?

Preventing the motherboard from touching the case are stand-offs.