Van de Graaff Generator

Repelling Balloons

Two helium balloons can be made to stand out from a van de Graaf generator. Any two objects which collect the same polarity charge will repel each other.

Voltages in excess of 100,000 volts can be generated with a demonstration model Van de Graaff generator. Though startling, discharges from the Van de Graaff do not represent a serious shock hazard since the currents attainable are so small.