Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

We are researching several topics before deciding on what we will be doing for our science fair. Our first choice topic is "The Danger of Static Electricity at the gas pump" but we are having a hard time finding an electrostatic voltmeter to measure the various combinations of materials that we need to rub together to create static. We've searched all of the online stores recommended by the site. Will a student type voltmeter work or do we need a more complex unit? Do we need a probe style or can we use the type with the alligator clips?

Thank you for your assistance.

dme36ny,

What you need is called an "electrometer". The classic one from early science history is made from two leaves of gold foil that when touched to a statically charge object, became changed itself and the two leaves repelled each other, since like charges repell:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrometer


But today, you can build some electronic ones:

http://www.amasci.com/electrom/electrom.html

http://www.vk2zay.net/article.php/9


You can buy one... but expect it to be expensive:

http://store.pasco.com/pascostore/showd ... t_ID=51856


Good Luck!