Elenco Snaptricity&reg - Manual (Page 17)

Project #7
Educational Corner:
Static electricity was discovered more than 2,500 years ago
when the Greek philosopher Thales noticed that when amber (a
hard, clear, yellow-tinted material) is rubbed, light materials like
feathers stick to it. Electricity is named after the Greek word for
amber, which is electron.
Other facts about Static Electricity:
1. Static electricity in the atmosphere causes the “static” (erratic
noises) you hear on your AM radio when reception is poor.
2. Static Electricity can damage some types of sensitive
electronic components. Electronics manufacturers protect
against this using static-dissipating wrist straps, floor mats,
and humidity control. Your Snaptricity
® parts will not be
damaged by static.
3. Some homes have “lightning rods”, which are metal bars
from the roof to the ground. These help protect the home by
encouraging lightning to go through the the rods instead of
the house.
Anti-Static Wrist Strap
Note: This project works best on a cold dry
day. If the weather is humid, the water vapor
in the air allows the static electric charge to
dissipate, and this project may not work.
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Lightning Rod
Bending Water
You need a comb (or plastic ruler) and a water faucet for
this project.
Assembly
Run the comb through your hair several times then hold it
next to a slow, thin stream of water from a faucet. The water
will bend towards it. You can also use a plastic ruler. Rub it
on your clothes (wool works best).
Operation
Rubbing the comb through your hair builds up a static
electrical charge on it, which attracts the water.
Description
Snappy says: big
planes can build up a
large static charge in
flight. They are
usually connected to
something like a
lightning rod as soon
as they land.