Ask Science@lemmy.worldEnglish • 3 months ago

Is it possible to receive an electric shock when you stop touching something?

Ask Science@lemmy.worldEnglish • 3 months ago

I seem to remember as a young child being told that it is safe to touch a Van de Graff generator (for the hair demonstration), but that if you let go before it is safe you will get a nasty shock. I know a bit more about electricity now, and I’m a little skeptical now. Is it possible to get a shock from letting go of something?

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2•2 months ago
As long as the potential is great enough to break down the dielectric of air yes.

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