PURPOSE: To demonstrate electrostatic repulsion in an entertaining and amusing way.
DESCRIPTION: A piece of fur, the "rabbit," is placed on top of the Van de Graaff dome, and a grounded point is held adjacent to the dome as the Van de Graaff is turned on. Pull the point back, allowing the dome and fur to charge, while ordering the rabbit to "sit up." Move the point closer to the dome while ordering the rabbit to "sit down." Now explain how you can train a piece of fur.
SUGGESTIONS:
EQUIPMENT: Van de Graaff with ground sphere, fur, and grounded point.
SETUP TIME: 5 min.
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