5A50.35 • Electrostatic Machines: Can de Graaff
Photo shows the demonstration used at the University of Texas at Austin.
Concepts Conveyed:
- Like a Van de Graaff generator, the fun fly stick generates charge through a moving rubber belt.
- The charges generated are removed via a metal prong inside the can and travel through an attached wire that connects the prong to the can. The charges are transferred and the outside of the can generates charge.
- A can was added to the end of the fun fly stick to increase the capacitance of the mechanism and enhances its charge generation.
- Coulomb's law can be demonstrated with many of the provided items.
Instructions/Notes:
- Hold the red button and generate charge onto the metal can. Press the can against another metallic item to transfer the charge.
- The metallic item will contain the same charge as the exterior of the can and create a repulsive force.
- For the can repulsion, perform the demo on an acrylic sheet as the wooden tables discharge the can.
Demo Staff:
- Provide a can, foil boats, and loose foil shapes.
- Ensure the fun fly stick is working by pressing the red button at the handle and is generating charge. If the belt is slow or a weak charge is generated, change the battery by unscrewing the base of the handle.
Last updated on April 27, 2026