Measure Static Electricity With An Electroscope!

Introduction

Have you ever been zapped by a door knob or another person? It feels like a little electric shock and usually happens on cold and dry winter days. Where is this shock coming from? Why is it that sometimes you get zapped and sometimes you don't? It all has to do with static electricity, which can build up in some materials and then be transferred from one object to another. Sometimes you can even see a spark fly between them! In this science activity you will explore how well materials around the house produce static electricity by making a simple, homemade electroscope (an instrument that detects electric charges) and testing it out. The results may shock you!

Credits

Materials

• Metal hanger (uncoated) or copper wire (at least gauge 14)
• Glass jar
• Straw
• Scissors
• Cardboard
• Electrical tape
• Hot glue gun
• Pliers
• Piece of Styrofoam®
• Piece of wool
• Optional: piece of wood, plastic bag, tablespoon