Description
With peanuts in the metal cup on top of the Van de Graff, turn on Van de Graff; repeat w/ peanuts inside Styrofoam cup.
(See Demo: 5A50.30 Van de Graff Generators for demo preparation and Van de Graff operation)
- Peanuts within metal cup stay charge free, "protected" by the metal cup.
- Peanuts within Styrofoam cup (or plastic beaker) acquire a net charge, and dramatically fly out due to the force of the electric field.
NOTE: Do not reuse Styrofoam peanuts. The net charge that they acquire is very difficult to remove and they end up statically clinging to plastic containers that they are put back into. Rinse out synthetic cups with water to remove any excess charges before reusing synthetic cups.

Equipment
Metal cup, Styrofoam cup & peanuts (discharged)

Support Equipment
Van de Graff Generator