
Detecting Static Electricity
Hard
Have you ever wondered how to detect static electricity? This project will show you how to build an electroscope that can detect static electricity from far away.
Hypothesis
The hypothesis is that a simple circuit can detect the invisible fields of voltage which surround all electrified objects.
Method & Materials
You will build a circuit with a 9-volt battery, a transistor, and an LED. You will then test the circuit by charging up a pen or comb and waving it close to the antenna wire.
You will need a 9-volt battery, a transistor, an LED, a battery connector, alligator clip leads, plastic, fur, foil, comb, tape dispenser, and a plastic cup.
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See what’s includedResults
This project shows that a simple circuit can detect the invisible fields of voltage which surround all electrified objects. It is possible to detect one volt of static electricity from a distance of five meters or more.
Why do this project?
This science project is so interesting and unique because it shows how to build an electroscope that can detect static electricity from far away.
Also Consider
Experiment variations to consider include testing the circuit on a low-humidity day and building a capacitor out of aluminum foil, styrofoam, and wires.
Full project details
Additional information and source material for this project are available below.Related video
These videos explain the science behind this project and demonstrate key concepts used in the experiment.
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