Naked Science Forum

On the Lighter Side => That CAN'T be true! => Topic started by: GemmaD on 26/06/2009 14:19:42

Title: Is static elecricity really this powerfull?
Post by: GemmaD on 26/06/2009 14:19:42
I came across these videos on YouTube of people producing explosive results with static electricity. Can any of these be done?

Title: Is static elecricity really this powerfull?
Post by: LeeE on 26/06/2009 15:05:38
Nope, at least not at the levels of static electricity that they were achieving.  Also, the person's finger tip, at the very least, would have suffered similar effects to the food.

And please don't double post questions in several places - you'll get a reputation as a spammer.
Title: Is static elecricity really this powerfull?
Post by: Shadec on 27/06/2009 03:44:32
Nope, at least not at the levels of static electricity that they were achieving.  Also, the person's finger tip, at the very least, would have suffered similar effects to the food.
hes right, i cant think how they could have done it, but its most likely not real. the pain of high levels of static discharging through small points is high, it would have let a charred hole in his finger, most likely.
to build up that much charge, he would have to be walking on plates of mica or rubber, to stop it disharging.
Title: Is static elecricity really this powerfull?
Post by: Bored chemist on 27/06/2009 18:02:52
Static electricity can do that sort of thing, but you need a thunderstorm to do it.
Title: Is static elecricity really this powerfull?
Post by: Shadec on 30/06/2009 09:30:31
Static electricity can do that sort of thing, but you need a thunderstorm to do it.
ahaha, exactly.