2007-02-07 00:14:38 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
It puts a charge on all of you of the same polarity. Since like charges repel, each strand of hair tries to get as far away as possible from all the others and they stand on end.
2007-02-07 00:17:43 · answer #1 · answered by Gene 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A Van de Graf generator is a static electricity generator. If you've ever seen one, you know what it looks like -- a big metal sphere on top of a tube, usually with another metal sphere or other shape for a base. Inside the tube, running from top to bottom, is a rubber belt on a pulley. Attached to the inside of the top sphere is a set of conductors shaped like a comb. As the belt moves past the comb, the friction of the comb pulls electrons off the rubber belt, in the same way that running a comb through your hair does. That's static electricity. The extra electrons get deposited on the top metal sphere, which acts like a big capacitor. When the belt moves back down to the bottom, a second comb, which is attached to the metal base which, in turn, is attached to ground, re-deposits electrons on the belt so that it stays neutral.
I may have my polarities reversed - I can't remember if electrons get pulled off the belt or deposited on the belt -- but you get the idea.
2007-02-07 00:58:11 · answer #2 · answered by Grizzly B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because it generates a huge amount of static electricity. This static charge accumulates on you and that's what makes your hair "stand up".
2007-02-07 00:26:29 · answer #3 · answered by Ricky J. 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋