Understanding Static Electricity and Its Effects

>> BILL NYE: Right now, charged particles are flowing through your television set. particles are flowing through your television set. That's electricity. your television set. That's electricity. But sometimes the charged That's electricity. But sometimes the charged particles don't flow. But sometimes the charged particles don't flow. They build up and they build particles don't flow. They build up and they build up and they build up, and they They build up and they build up and they build up, and they make big sparks. up and they build up, and they make big sparks. Whew! make big sparks. Whew! That's static electricity. Whew! That's static electricity. ( loud popping ) That's static electricity. ( loud popping ) >> ♪ Bill Nye, the science guy ( loud popping ) >> ♪ Bill Nye, the science guy Bill Nye, the science guy >> ♪ Bill Nye, the science guy Bill Nye, the science guy ♪ Bill, Bill, Bill, Bill, Bill Bill Nye, the science guy ♪ Bill, Bill, Bill, Bill, Bill Bill Nye, the science guy ♪ Bill, Bill, Bill, Bill, Bill Bill Nye, the science guy >> Science rules. Bill Nye, the science guy >> Science rules. >> ♪ Bill Nye, the science guy >> Science rules. >> ♪ Bill Nye, the science guy >> Inertia is a property of >> ♪ Bill Nye, the science guy >> Inertia is a property of matter. >> Inertia is a property of matter. >> ♪ Bill, Bill, Bill, Bill matter. >> ♪ Bill, Bill, Bill, Bill Bill Nye, the science guy >> ♪ Bill, Bill, Bill, Bill Bill Nye, the science guy >> ♪ Bill, Bill, Bill... Bill Nye, the science guy >> ♪ Bill, Bill, Bill... >> T-minus seven seconds. >> ♪ Bill, Bill, Bill... >> T-minus seven seconds. >> Bill Nye, the science guy. ♪ >> T-minus seven seconds. >> Bill Nye, the science guy. ♪ >> Bill Nye, The Science Guy is >> Bill Nye, the science guy. ♪ >> Bill Nye, The Science Guy is brought to you by: Socks. >> Bill Nye, The Science Guy is brought to you by: Socks. Socks stick together. ( thunder crashing ) ( loud popping ) >> BILL: Lightning bolts and sparks happen when electricity makes air glow. and sparks happen when electricity makes air glow. Now, electricity is the flow of electricity makes air glow. Now, electricity is the flow of tiny particles called electrons. Now, electricity is the flow of tiny particles called electrons. And you know about electrons tiny particles called electrons. And you know about electrons 'cause they're flowing through And you know about electrons 'cause they're flowing through your television set right now. 'cause they're flowing through your television set right now. But this is static electricity; your television set right now. But this is static electricity; and "static" is from a word that But this is static electricity; and "static" is from a word that means "stay," so the charged and "static" is from a word that means "stay," so the charged electrons are staying on that means "stay," so the charged electrons are staying on that big ball, and they build up a electrons are staying on that big ball, and they build up a big charge, and then the charge big ball, and they build up a big charge, and then the charge lets go. big charge, and then the charge lets go. The electrons start flowing. lets go. The electrons start flowing. Isn't that wild? The electrons start flowing. Isn't that wild? It's lightning! Isn't that wild? It's lightning! ( thunder booming ) >> BILL: You've probably felt a static electrical charge if you've ever shuffled your feet static electrical charge if you've ever shuffled your feet across the carpet and touched a you've ever shuffled your feet across the carpet and touched a doorknob, or somebody else. >> Whoa! >> BILL: Well, here's what happens: happens: As you rub your feet on the As you rub your feet on the carpet, electrons-- the tiny carpet, electrons-- the tiny pieces of atoms that have pieces of atoms that have electrical charge-- build up on electrical charge-- build up on you or the carpet, so that you or the carpet, so that there's a static charge. there's a static charge. Now, by rubbing this fur on this Now, by rubbing this fur on this red plastic rod, I end up with red plastic rod, I end up with electrons on the rod. electrons on the rod. It has a static electrical It has a static electrical charge. charge. So watch what happens when I So watch what happens when I bring it near this silver bring it near this silver painted Ping-Pong ball. painted Ping-Pong ball. They attract, see? They're pulled together because they have opposite charges. Now, there's an old saying, they have opposite charges. Now, there's an old saying, "opposites attract," and it may Now, there's an old saying, "opposites attract," and it may be true for people... "opposites attract," and it may be true for people... >> Oh, Bill... be true for people... >> Oh, Bill... >> BILL: Oh, gosh. >> Oh, Bill... >> BILL: Oh, gosh. But it's certainly true for >> BILL: Oh, gosh. But it's certainly true for electrical charges. But it's certainly true for electrical charges. Now suppose we want to make a electrical charges. Now suppose we want to make a big static electrical charge. Now suppose we want to make a big static electrical charge. Well, we could use something big static electrical charge. Well, we could use something like this. Well, we could use something like this. This is called a "Van de Graaf like this. This is called a "Van de Graaf generator." This is called a "Van de Graaf generator." It's named after Robert Van de generator." It's named after Robert Van de Graaf. It's named after Robert Van de Graaf. So here's what happens. Graaf. So here's what happens. Electrical charges are So here's what happens. Electrical charges are deposited on this rubber belt. Electrical charges are deposited on this rubber belt. The rubber belt turns and deposited on this rubber belt. The rubber belt turns and redeposits the electrical The rubber belt turns and redeposits the electrical charges up here, on this metal redeposits the electrical charges up here, on this metal ball. charges up here, on this metal ball. Now, since this next part of ball. Now, since this next part of the demonstration rocks, I'm Now, since this next part of the demonstration rocks, I'm going to put on my rocker wig the demonstration rocks, I'm going to put on my rocker wig of science. going to put on my rocker wig of science. Yeah! of science. Yeah! Now, we start the rubber belt Yeah! Now, we start the rubber belt turning. Now, we start the rubber belt turning. Electrical charges are being turning. Electrical charges are being deposited on the metal ball. Electrical charges are being deposited on the metal ball. They're running through my arm, deposited on the metal ball. They're running through my arm, and being deposited in me. They're running through my arm, and being deposited in me. And look, it's building up in my and being deposited in me. And look, it's building up in my rocker wig of science. And look, it's building up in my rocker wig of science. See, since these charges are all rocker wig of science. See, since these charges are all the same, they're not See, since these charges are all the same, they're not attracting-- no, they're the same, they're not attracting-- no, they're repelling. attracting-- no, they're repelling. They're pushing apart, so repelling. They're pushing apart, so they're pushing the hairs of my They're pushing apart, so they're pushing the hairs of my rocker wig apart. they're pushing the hairs of my rocker wig apart. Now, if I could find a way to rocker wig apart. Now, if I could find a way to get these electrical charges off Now, if I could find a way to get these electrical charges off of me back into some other parts get these electrical charges off of me back into some other parts of the room, the hairs wouldn't of me back into some other parts of the room, the hairs wouldn't repel each other. of the room, the hairs wouldn't repel each other. There wouldn't be a static repel each other. There wouldn't be a static electrical charge. There wouldn't be a static electrical charge. No, the charge would jump. electrical charge. No, the charge would jump. Let's try it. No, the charge would jump. Let's try it. Watch what happens when I bring Let's try it. Watch what happens when I bring this ball near this ball. Watch what happens when I bring this ball near this ball. Whew! this ball near this ball. Whew! ( popping ) Whew! ( popping ) Whew! ( popping ) Whew! Whew! Whew! Whew! ( popping ) Whew! ( popping ) ( slow motion ): Whew! Whew! ( popping ) ( slow motion ): Whew! Whew! See the spark? ( slow motion ): Whew! Whew! See the spark? The charges jumped. See the spark? The charges jumped. The static electrical charges The charges jumped. The static electrical charges aren't static. The static electrical charges aren't static. No, they jumped. aren't static. No, they jumped. Static electricity-- it rocks. No, they jumped. Static electricity-- it rocks. ( popping ) Static electricity-- it rocks. ( popping ) Whew! ( popping ) Whew! See that? It sparked. Whew! See that? It sparked. ( loud pop ) >> BILL: Hey, Elaine, how's it going? >> Oh, hi, Bill. going? >> Oh, hi, Bill. It's going good. >> Oh, hi, Bill. It's going good. Who am I fooling? It's going good. Who am I fooling? It's no use pretending anymore. Who am I fooling? It's no use pretending anymore. Every time I do my laundry, I It's no use pretending anymore. Every time I do my laundry, I get this embarrassing electron Every time I do my laundry, I get this embarrassing electron buildup. get this embarrassing electron buildup. >> BILL: Oh, you mean static buildup. >> BILL: Oh, you mean static cling. >> BILL: Oh, you mean static cling. >> Oh, fine. cling. >> Oh, fine. Here I am with my clothes full >> Oh, fine. Here I am with my clothes full of electrons, creating a Here I am with my clothes full of electrons, creating a negative static electric charge, of electrons, creating a negative static electric charge, and all's you can say is "static negative static electric charge, and all's you can say is "static cling"? and all's you can say is "static cling"? >> BILL: Well, uh, have you cling"? >> BILL: Well, uh, have you tried spraying it with water? >> BILL: Well, uh, have you tried spraying it with water? >> Huh?! tried spraying it with water? >> Huh?! >> BILL: The water absorbs the >> Huh?! >> BILL: The water absorbs the electric charge. >> BILL: The water absorbs the electric charge. Look. electric charge. Look. See? Doesn't stick. Look. See? Doesn't stick. >> But now it's all wet. See? Doesn't stick. >> But now it's all wet. >> BILL: Well, what can I tell >> But now it's all wet. >> BILL: Well, what can I tell you, Elaine? >> BILL: Well, what can I tell you, Elaine? It's a process. you, Elaine? It's a process. I mean, you know, it doesn't It's a process. I mean, you know, it doesn't happen all at once. I mean, you know, it doesn't happen all at once. I mean, first the laundry's in happen all at once. I mean, first the laundry's in the dryer spinning around in I mean, first the laundry's in the dryer spinning around in that desiccated atmosphere. the dryer spinning around in that desiccated atmosphere. You know, there's no humidity that desiccated atmosphere. You know, there's no humidity and there's very little water You know, there's no humidity and there's very little water in there, so the electrons, and there's very little water in there, so the electrons, with the friction of the in there, so the electrons, with the friction of the spinning, they can build up on with the friction of the spinning, they can build up on one surface or the other, spinning, they can build up on one surface or the other, either on the shirt or the one surface or the other, either on the shirt or the sock, so the electrons... either on the shirt or the sock, so the electrons... >> ( echoing ): Boy, this guy sock, so the electrons... >> ( echoing ): Boy, this guy can really go on and on when it >> ( echoing ): Boy, this guy can really go on and on when it comes to static cling. can really go on and on when it comes to static cling. He just goes on and on and my comes to static cling. He just goes on and on and my sock's all wet. He just goes on and on and my sock's all wet. >> BILL: ...so the sock doesn't sock's all wet. >> BILL: ...so the sock doesn't stick. >> BILL: ...so the sock doesn't stick. I mean, laundry doesn't happen stick. I mean, laundry doesn't happen all at once, you know. I mean, laundry doesn't happen all at once, you know. I mean... sorry. >> Here are three fun things you can do with a balloon and your hair. can do with a balloon and your hair. >> One: Rub a balloon to your hair. >> One: Rub a balloon to your hair, stick it to a wall. >> One: Rub a balloon to your hair, stick it to a wall. >> Two: Get some sugar. hair, stick it to a wall. >> Two: Get some sugar. Now rub the balloon on your >> Two: Get some sugar. Now rub the balloon on your hair. Now rub the balloon on your hair. It makes a sugar storm. hair. It makes a sugar storm. >> Three: Cut little people out It makes a sugar storm. >> Three: Cut little people out of paper. >> Three: Cut little people out of paper. Rub a balloon to your hair. of paper. Rub a balloon to your hair. The people dance. >> Static! >> Static. >> BOTH: Static. >> Static. >> BOTH: Static. >> BILL: Science! >> BOTH: Static. >> BILL: Science! Science! >> BILL: Science! Science! Static electricity! Science! Static electricity! Static! Static electricity! Static! >> So get this, everything has Static! >> So get this, everything has electrons, and electrons are >> So get this, everything has electrons, and electrons are tiny little charged particles electrons, and electrons are tiny little charged particles that are part of atoms. tiny little charged particles that are part of atoms. >> BILL: Static on radios... that are part of atoms. >> BILL: Static on radios... ( radio changing stations, >> BILL: Static on radios... ( radio changing stations, static ) ( radio changing stations, static ) ...and televisions is caused by static ) ...and televisions is caused by static electricity on dust, and ...and televisions is caused by static electricity on dust, and water vapor in the Earth's static electricity on dust, and water vapor in the Earth's atmosphere which the antennas water vapor in the Earth's atmosphere which the antennas pick up. atmosphere which the antennas pick up. And now... some more static. pick up. And now... some more static. ( eerie music playing ) And now... some more static. ( eerie music playing ) >> Now for something... ( eerie music playing ) >> Now for something... really shocking! >> Now for something... really shocking! ( footsteps ) ( electrical buzzing ) ( screams ) >> BILL: Here's the static electricity generator, just full to the brim with electrons. electricity generator, just full to the brim with electrons. I'm going to let some of the to the brim with electrons. I'm going to let some of the electrons jump off. I'm going to let some of the electrons jump off. We scientists like to say, "I'm electrons jump off. We scientists like to say, "I'm letting the electrons We scientists like to say, "I'm letting the electrons discharge." letting the electrons discharge." Now, where do they go when we discharge." Now, where do they go when we discharge them? Now, where do they go when we discharge them? >> Home, maybe? discharge them? >> Home, maybe? I don't know. >> Home, maybe? I don't know. >> BILL: Hm. I don't know. >> BILL: Hm. Well, they go into the ground. >> BILL: Hm. Well, they go into the ground. >> Oh. Well, they go into the ground. >> Oh. >> BILL: Now, when you say "the >> Oh. >> BILL: Now, when you say "the ground," you mean the ground, >> BILL: Now, when you say "the ground," you mean the ground, like the earth, like part of our ground," you mean the ground, like the earth, like part of our planet? like the earth, like part of our planet? >> That's what I was thinking. planet? >> That's what I was thinking. >> BILL: Yeah, the ground. >> That's what I was thinking. >> BILL: Yeah, the ground. >> Mm-hmm. >> BILL: Yeah, the ground. >> Mm-hmm. >> BILL: Well, how do they get >> Mm-hmm. >> BILL: Well, how do they get there? >> BILL: Well, how do they get there? Ah, with a ground wire. there? Ah, with a ground wire. >> What? Ah, with a ground wire. >> What? >> BILL: The ground wire runs >> What? >> BILL: The ground wire runs from the machine... >> BILL: The ground wire runs from the machine... ( man singing operatically in from the machine... ( man singing operatically in shower ) ( man singing operatically in shower ) >> BILL: ...right to the main shower ) >> BILL: ...right to the main cold water pipe... >> BILL: ...right to the main cold water pipe... ( man screams ) cold water pipe... ( man screams ) ...in the lab. ( man screams ) ...in the lab. And the cold water pipe runs ...in the lab. And the cold water pipe runs right through the floor. The pipes run underneath the floor of the lab all the way down here and then into the floor of the lab all the way down here and then into the earth. down here and then into the earth. That way electrons can find earth. That way electrons can find their way to or from the ground That way electrons can find their way to or from the ground just like that. You may have seen a third prong on some electrical plugs. Well, that's the ground wire. on some electrical plugs. Well, that's the ground wire. It lets extra electrons get to Well, that's the ground wire. It lets extra electrons get to or from the ground quickly and It lets extra electrons get to or from the ground quickly and quietly. or from the ground quickly and quietly. Well, thanks for joining us on quietly. Well, thanks for joining us on "Consider the Following." Well, thanks for joining us on "Consider the Following." ( whirring, electrical popping ) "Consider the Following." ( whirring, electrical popping ) Discharge, electrons. ( whirring, electrical popping ) Discharge, electrons. >> Uh, Bill? Discharge, electrons. >> Uh, Bill? >> BILL: Discharge to the >> Uh, Bill? >> BILL: Discharge to the ground. >> BILL: Discharge to the ground. >> Bill? >> Now you know! ♪ It won't make a mess On your pants or your dress Roll over, sit up or do tricks On your pants or your dress Roll over, sit up or do tricks ♪ But they'll stick to a wall Roll over, sit up or do tricks ♪ But they'll stick to a wall In a room or a hall ♪ But they'll stick to a wall In a room or a hall Balloony-Stix In a room or a hall Balloony-Stix ♪ Balloony-Stix Balloony-Stix ♪ Balloony-Stix Just fill 'em with air, ♪ Balloony-Stix Just fill 'em with air, Start rubbing your hair Just fill 'em with air, Start rubbing your hair ♪ With the wackiest toy Start rubbing your hair ♪ With the wackiest toy That you know ♪ With the wackiest toy That you know Then tell all your friends That you know Then tell all your friends ♪ To buy nine or ten Then tell all your friends ♪ To buy nine or ten From Statico ♪ To buy nine or ten From Statico Balloony-Stix. ♪ From Statico Balloony-Stix. ♪ >> Balloony-Stix: the balloon Balloony-Stix. ♪ >> Balloony-Stix: the balloon toy that sticks to walls. >> Balloony-Stix: the balloon toy that sticks to walls. From Statico. toy that sticks to walls. From Statico. >> "Tales From the Lab," with From Statico. >> "Tales From the Lab," with your host Bill Nye. >> "Tales From the Lab," with your host Bill Nye. >> BILL: Here it is. your host Bill Nye. >> BILL: Here it is. "Once upon a time, many, many >> BILL: Here it is. "Once upon a time, many, many years ago in Greece, there lived "Once upon a time, many, many years ago in Greece, there lived some pine trees, and although years ago in Greece, there lived some pine trees, and although the pine trees eventually died, some pine trees, and although the pine trees eventually died, some of their sap hardened into the pine trees eventually died, some of their sap hardened into a gold-colored substance we call some of their sap hardened into a gold-colored substance we call amber. a gold-colored substance we call amber. Many years later, amber played amber. Many years later, amber played an important part in a movie Many years later, amber played an important part in a movie about dinosaurs that made lots an important part in a movie about dinosaurs that made lots and lots of money." about dinosaurs that made lots and lots of money." ( dinosaur roaring ) and lots of money." ( dinosaur roaring ) ( man screams ) ( dinosaur roaring ) ( man screams ) ( crunching ) ( man screams ) ( crunching ) ( clears throat ) ( crunching ) ( clears throat ) Any-anyway, "Many, many years ( clears throat ) Any-anyway, "Many, many years before that, a Greek philosopher Any-anyway, "Many, many years before that, a Greek philosopher named Thales took some amber of before that, a Greek philosopher named Thales took some amber of his own and polished it with a named Thales took some amber of his own and polished it with a cloth. his own and polished it with a cloth. He noticed that after polishing, cloth. He noticed that after polishing, the amber would attract small He noticed that after polishing, the amber would attract small objects like dust and hair. the amber would attract small objects like dust and hair. We know today that Thales was objects like dust and hair. We know today that Thales was rubbing electrons from the cloth We know today that Thales was rubbing electrons from the cloth onto the amber, making the amber rubbing electrons from the cloth onto the amber, making the amber negatively charged. onto the amber, making the amber negatively charged. The Greek word for 'amber' is negatively charged. The Greek word for 'amber' is 'electron,' which is where we The Greek word for 'amber' is 'electron,' which is where we get the word 'electricity.'" 'electron,' which is where we get the word 'electricity.'" ( sighs ) The end. ( static ) ( blender whirring ) Electric motors, like the ones in blenders, can make electrical Electric motors, like the ones in blenders, can make electrical noise that looks and sounds just in blenders, can make electrical noise that looks and sounds just like static. noise that looks and sounds just like static. Electric motors also can help like static. Electric motors also can help you make a mighty mean banana Electric motors also can help you make a mighty mean banana milk shake. Ahh... >> Third down and four now. The ball is snapped. >> Third down and four now. The ball is snapped. Handoff to Electronski... The ball is snapped. Handoff to Electronski... ( blender whirring, static ) Handoff to Electronski... ( blender whirring, static ) >> Aw, not again, Bill. ( blender whirring, static ) >> Aw, not again, Bill. I'm trying to watch the game. >> Aw, not again, Bill. I'm trying to watch the game. Turn off the blender! I'm trying to watch the game. Turn off the blender! >> BILL: Sorry, sorry. Turn off the blender! >> BILL: Sorry, sorry. ( blender stops ) >> BILL: Sorry, sorry. ( blender stops ) >> ...and he's driven out about ( blender stops ) >> ...and he's driven out about the 40-yard line. >> ...and he's driven out about the 40-yard line. >> Are you feeling dull, boring, the 40-yard line. >> Are you feeling dull, boring, negative, like everything is the >> Are you feeling dull, boring, negative, like everything is the same old same old? negative, like everything is the same old same old? Well, worry no more, and let same old same old? Well, worry no more, and let Johnny Static give a charge to Well, worry no more, and let Johnny Static give a charge to your life, not to mention your Johnny Static give a charge to your life, not to mention your hairdo! your life, not to mention your hairdo! Johnny's unique style of hair hairdo! Johnny's unique style of hair design has helped to add a spark Johnny's unique style of hair design has helped to add a spark to millions of people like design has helped to add a spark to millions of people like yourself. to millions of people like yourself. So act now to add a jolt to your yourself. So act now to add a jolt to your hair tomorrow! So act now to add a jolt to your hair tomorrow! ( maniacal laughter ) >> BILL: Hey, we're on top of the Space Needle in Seattle, Washington, about 184 meters off the Space Needle in Seattle, Washington, about 184 meters off the ground. Washington, about 184 meters off the ground. Now, this is the closest thing the ground. Now, this is the closest thing to a cloud. Now, this is the closest thing to a cloud. So we've got lightning rods on to a cloud. So we've got lightning rods on it. So we've got lightning rods on it. There's 24 lightning rods about it. There's 24 lightning rods about this tall, and there's one big There's 24 lightning rods about this tall, and there's one big one. this tall, and there's one big one. So if an electrical storm comes one. So if an electrical storm comes along, the electrical charges So if an electrical storm comes along, the electrical charges are gonna find their way to the along, the electrical charges are gonna find their way to the ground through one of these are gonna find their way to the ground through one of these things. ground through one of these things. ( dramatic music plays ) things. ( dramatic music plays ) Pretty cool, huh? ( dramatic music plays ) Pretty cool, huh? >> Careful. >> Here are two fun things you can do with your hair and a comb. can do with your hair and a comb. >> One, cut a square of paper. comb. >> One, cut a square of paper. Tape it in a roll, like this. >> One, cut a square of paper. Tape it in a roll, like this. Then, comb your hair very fast. Tape it in a roll, like this. Then, comb your hair very fast. Hold the comb near the paper. Wow! Neato! Two, comb your hair again. Now hold the comb near running Two, comb your hair again. Now hold the comb near running water. The water bends. Electrons went from your hair to the comb. Electrons went from your hair to the comb. All those extra electrons are the comb. All those extra electrons are what pulled the paper. All those extra electrons are what pulled the paper. The comb built up a negative what pulled the paper. The comb built up a negative charge. The comb built up a negative charge. That's what pulled the water charge. That's what pulled the water molecules. That's what pulled the water molecules. >> BOTH: Static! molecules. >> BOTH: Static! >> Hey, youse, get yourselves a >> BOTH: Static! >> Hey, youse, get yourselves a pencil. >> Hey, youse, get yourselves a pencil. >> 'Cause you're gonna need it pencil. >> 'Cause you're gonna need it later. >> 'Cause you're gonna need it later. >> BILL: Static charges build up later. >> BILL: Static charges build up on things when they rub >> BILL: Static charges build up on things when they rub together, right? on things when they rub together, right? Well, try this. together, right? Well, try this. Get a plastic soft drink Well, try this. Get a plastic soft drink bottle... Get a plastic soft drink bottle... ( boinging ) bottle... ( boinging ) ...and a glass one. ( boinging ) ...and a glass one. ( clinking ) ...and a glass one. ( clinking ) Rub the plastic one with a wool ( clinking ) Rub the plastic one with a wool sweater. Rub the plastic one with a wool sweater. ( squeaking ) sweater. ( squeaking ) Set it down on edge like that. ( squeaking ) Set it down on edge like that. Now rub the glass one with a Set it down on edge like that. Now rub the glass one with a piece of silk you might have Now rub the glass one with a piece of silk you might have lying around the house. piece of silk you might have lying around the house. ( squeaking ) lying around the house. ( squeaking ) What happens when you bring them ( squeaking ) What happens when you bring them near each other? What happens when you bring them near each other? Try it. near each other? Try it. I said try it! Try it. I said try it! >> When you build up these tiny I said try it! >> When you build up these tiny little charged particles, you >> When you build up these tiny little charged particles, you get static electricity. little charged particles, you get static electricity. >> Uh-huh. >> Now you know! >> BILL: You can make your own precision static electricity precision static electricity detector called an... Yeah. All you need is a peanut butter jar. Of course, it's got to be empty butter jar. Of course, it's got to be empty like this one. Of course, it's got to be empty like this one. >> Mm-hmm. like this one. >> Mm-hmm. >> BILL: Then you need a coat >> Mm-hmm. >> BILL: Then you need a coat hanger. >> BILL: Then you need a coat hanger. You may want to get an adult to hanger. You may want to get an adult to help you with this part. You may want to get an adult to help you with this part. But cut the coat hanger in two help you with this part. But cut the coat hanger in two places like this. But cut the coat hanger in two places like this. >> Watch yourself there. places like this. >> Watch yourself there. >> BILL: And now we want this >> Watch yourself there. >> BILL: And now we want this piece of coat hanger to go >> BILL: And now we want this piece of coat hanger to go through a hole in a peanut piece of coat hanger to go through a hole in a peanut butter jar lid. through a hole in a peanut butter jar lid. A great way to do this is with a butter jar lid. A great way to do this is with a pair of pliers and a candle. A great way to do this is with a pair of pliers and a candle. You definitely want an adult to pair of pliers and a candle. You definitely want an adult to help you with this part. You definitely want an adult to help you with this part. After it's warm, push the coat help you with this part. After it's warm, push the coat hanger through the peanut butter After it's warm, push the coat hanger through the peanut butter jar lid. hanger through the peanut butter jar lid. Oh, look at that. Oh, look. jar lid. Oh, look at that. Oh, look. Look. Now that right there... Oh, look at that. Oh, look. Look. Now that right there... That is a great hole in a peanut Look. Now that right there... That is a great hole in a peanut butter jar lid for a coat hanger That is a great hole in a peanut butter jar lid for a coat hanger right there. butter jar lid for a coat hanger right there. That is a great. right there. That is a great. >> Mm-hmm, cut! That is a great. >> Mm-hmm, cut! >> BILL: Now a piece of aluminum >> Mm-hmm, cut! >> BILL: Now a piece of aluminum foil. >> BILL: Now a piece of aluminum foil. Cut it with scissors. foil. Cut it with scissors. Use your fingernail and smooth Cut it with scissors. Use your fingernail and smooth it out. Use your fingernail and smooth it out. Fold the piece of aluminum foil it out. Fold the piece of aluminum foil over the hook part of the coat Fold the piece of aluminum foil over the hook part of the coat hanger. over the hook part of the coat hanger. Now screw the jar back together. hanger. Now screw the jar back together. Secure the coat hanger with a Now screw the jar back together. Secure the coat hanger with a little piece of clay. Secure the coat hanger with a little piece of clay. >> How long is this going to go little piece of clay. >> How long is this going to go on, uh, Bill? >> How long is this going to go on, uh, Bill? >> BILL: We need an electrode on, uh, Bill? >> BILL: We need an electrode ball. >> BILL: We need an electrode ball. You can use a piece of aluminum ball. You can use a piece of aluminum foil. You can use a piece of aluminum foil. Roll it into a ball and stick it foil. Roll it into a ball and stick it on top of the coat hanger. Roll it into a ball and stick it on top of the coat hanger. Now you need some static on top of the coat hanger. Now you need some static electricity. >> You're good at that. You're a little too good at that, Bill. >> BILL: Look. The leaves of the aluminum foil push apart. The leaves of foil are moving aluminum foil push apart. The leaves of foil are moving and I'm not even touching it. The leaves of foil are moving and I'm not even touching it. >> So? and I'm not even touching it. >> So? >> BILL: I think it's pretty >> So? >> BILL: I think it's pretty cool. >> BILL: I think it's pretty cool. It is cool. cool. It is cool. It's an electroscope right here It is cool. It's an electroscope right here in a peanut butter jar. It's an electroscope right here in a peanut butter jar. >> What can he do with a jelly in a peanut butter jar. >> What can he do with a jelly jar? >> BILL: This is how lightning works. Electrical charges build up and works. Electrical charges build up and build up and they push away from Electrical charges build up and build up and they push away from each other. build up and they push away from each other. Eventually, they push away from each other. Eventually, they push away from each other so much, they end up Eventually, they push away from each other so much, they end up falling to the ground. each other so much, they end up falling to the ground. ( makes thunder sound ) With this I could-- dare I say it-- rule the world. Well, maybe not, but it's pretty it-- rule the world. Well, maybe not, but it's pretty cool. ( piano playing ) ( boy laughs ) >> BILL: When lightning strikes, it heats the air to over 30,000 >> BILL: When lightning strikes, it heats the air to over 30,000 degrees Celsius. it heats the air to over 30,000 degrees Celsius. Hot air smacks into cool air, degrees Celsius. Hot air smacks into cool air, and that makes thunder. Hot air smacks into cool air, and that makes thunder. ( gasps ) and that makes thunder. ( gasps ) Lightning and thunder, they come ( gasps ) Lightning and thunder, they come from static electricity. Lightning and thunder, they come from static electricity. Jumping electrons! from static electricity. Jumping electrons! Whoa! I think they're in for a surprise. >> Ow! >> I send electric arcs directly into wet paint on glass. into wet paint on glass. Don't try this at home. Don't try this at home. And it spreads the paint and And it spreads the paint and moves through it and does things moves through it and does things I wouldn't get any other way. This is weird science, if you will. ( laughs ) will. ( laughs ) I'm using weird science to make ( laughs ) I'm using weird science to make art objects. I'm using weird science to make art objects. I'm actually sending miniature art objects. I'm actually sending miniature lightning bolts into wet paint I'm actually sending miniature lightning bolts into wet paint on glass. lightning bolts into wet paint on glass. And the electrons come streaming on glass. And the electrons come streaming out of the lightning brush And the electrons come streaming out of the lightning brush trying to get to ground. out of the lightning brush trying to get to ground. Mysterious, strange. trying to get to ground. Mysterious, strange. This is cool science. Mysterious, strange. This is cool science. Out of that rod comes a million This is cool science. Out of that rod comes a million and a half volts of lightning. Out of that rod comes a million and a half volts of lightning. It jumps through the air, hits and a half volts of lightning. It jumps through the air, hits the wet paint on the glass and It jumps through the air, hits the wet paint on the glass and gives me elegant surprises-- the wet paint on the glass and gives me elegant surprises-- new things that I would not find gives me elegant surprises-- new things that I would not find any other way. new things that I would not find any other way. >> BILL: ( yelling ) any other way. >> BILL: ( yelling ) >> Static electricity isn't >> BILL: ( yelling ) >> Static electricity isn't always static. >> Static electricity isn't always static. That is, it doesn't always stay always static. That is, it doesn't always stay in one place. That is, it doesn't always stay in one place. Sometimes, when it builds up in one place. Sometimes, when it builds up enough, it can jump from one Sometimes, when it builds up enough, it can jump from one thing to another. ( rock playing ) ♪ I got some amber I got some cat fur I think I'll rub one I got some cat fur I think I'll rub one ♪ On the other and see I think I'll rub one ♪ On the other and see If the electrons ♪ On the other and see If the electrons Will gather on one If the electrons Will gather on one ♪ And build up to charge it Will gather on one ♪ And build up to charge it negatively ♪ And build up to charge it negatively I want to roll, I want to rock negatively I want to roll, I want to rock ♪ I want to give you such a I want to roll, I want to rock ♪ I want to give you such a shock ♪ I want to give you such a shock With static electricity shock With static electricity ♪ With static electricity With static electricity ♪ With static electricity Particles flocking ♪ With static electricity Particles flocking Electricity, it's static Particles flocking Electricity, it's static ♪ Electricity Electricity, it's static ♪ Electricity It's really shocking ♪ Electricity It's really shocking It's static electricity, It's really shocking It's static electricity, ♪ It's static electricity It's static electricity, ♪ It's static electricity People are talking ♪ It's static electricity People are talking Electricity, it's static People are talking Electricity, it's static ♪ Electricity Electricity, it's static ♪ Electricity It's really shocking ♪ Electricity It's really shocking Electrons when they gather It's really shocking Electrons when they gather ♪ Together Electrons when they gather ♪ Together They make a negative charge ♪ Together They make a negative charge The start of a spark They make a negative charge The start of a spark ♪ In clouds when they build up The start of a spark ♪ In clouds when they build up It really is no wonder ♪ In clouds when they build up It really is no wonder That when they discharge, It really is no wonder That when they discharge, ♪ It's lightning and thunder That when they discharge, ♪ It's lightning and thunder Lightning ♪ It's lightning and thunder Lightning And that is electricity, Lightning And that is electricity, ♪ It's static electricity And that is electricity, ♪ It's static electricity Particles flocking ♪ It's static electricity Particles flocking Electricity, it's static Particles flocking Electricity, it's static ♪ Electricity Electricity, it's static ♪ Electricity It's really shocking ♪ Electricity It's really shocking It's static electricity It's really shocking It's static electricity ♪ It's static electricity It's static electricity ♪ It's static electricity People are talking ♪ It's static electricity People are talking Electricity, it's static People are talking Electricity, it's static ♪ Electricity Electricity, it's static ♪ Electricity It's really shocking. ♪ ♪ Electricity It's really shocking. ♪ ( musical interlude ) >> BILL: Well, that's our show. Thanks for watching. If you'll excuse me, i've got Thanks for watching. If you'll excuse me, i've got about a million volts of If you'll excuse me, i've got about a million volts of electricity to keep track of. about a million volts of electricity to keep track of. Keep your electrons jumping. electricity to keep track of. Keep your electrons jumping. >> Produced in association with Keep your electrons jumping. >> Produced in association with The National Science Foundation. >> Produced in association with The National Science Foundation. >> Lightning! >> Cut. >> There you go. Keep going. >> BILL: So, are we ready to do it? Here's the latest. it? Here's the latest. Static charges build up when Here's the latest. Static charges build up when things rub on each other. Static charges build up when things rub on each other. That's what I like to say. things rub on each other. That's what I like to say. Static charges build... That's what I like to say. Static charges build... Here we go. Static charges build... Here we go. Static charges build up when Here we go. Static charges build up when things rub on each other, right? Static charges build up when things rub on each other, right? Well, get... things rub on each other, right? Well, get... Whoa. Well, get... Whoa. >> Keep going. >> BILL: Rub the plastic one. Sorry. Let me do it again. Static charges build up when Sorry. Let me do it again. Static charges build up when things rub on each other, right? Static charges build up when things rub on each other, right? Get a plastic soft drink bottle things rub on each other, right? Get a plastic soft drink bottle and a glass one. Get a plastic soft drink bottle and a glass one. Rub the plastic one with a wool and a glass one. Rub the plastic one with a wool sweater. Rub the plastic one with a wool sweater. Then rub the glass one with a sweater. Then rub the glass one with a piece of silk you might have Then rub the glass one with a piece of silk you might have lying around the house. piece of silk you might have lying around the house. What happens when you bring the lying around the house. What happens when you bring the bottles near each other? What happens when you bring the bottles near each other? I said try it! THANKS FOR WATCHING - LIKE & SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE @SERIOUSLYSCIENTIFIC

>> BILL NYE: Right now, charged
particles are flowing through
your television set. particles are flowing through
your television set.
That's electricity. your television set.
That's electricity.
But sometimes the charged That's electricity.
But sometimes the charged
particles don't flow. But sometimes the charged
particles don't flow.
They build up and they build particles don't flow.
They build up and they build
up and they build up, and they They build up and they build
up and they build up, and they
make big sparks. up and they build up, and they
make big sparks.
Whew! make big sparks.
Whew!
That's static electricity. Whew!
That's static electricity.
( loud popping ) That's static electricity.
( loud popping )
>> ♪ Bill Nye, the science guy ( loud popping )
>> ♪ Bill Nye, the science guy
Bill Nye, the science guy >> ♪ Bill Nye, the science guy
Bill Nye, the science guy
♪ Bill, Bill, Bill, Bill, Bill Bill Nye, the science guy
♪ Bill, Bill, Bill, Bill, Bill
Bill Nye, the science guy ♪ Bill, Bill, Bill, Bill, Bill
Bill Nye, the science guy
>> Science rules. Bill Nye, the science guy
>> Science rules.
>> ♪ Bill Nye, the science guy >> Science rules.
>> ♪ Bill Nye, the science guy
>> Inertia is a property of >> ♪ Bill Nye, the science guy
>> Inertia is a property of
matter. >> Inertia is a property of
matter.
>> ♪ Bill, Bill, Bill, Bill matter.
>> ♪ Bill, Bill, Bill, Bill
Bill Nye, the science guy >> ♪ Bill, Bill, Bill, Bill
Bill Nye, the science guy
>> ♪ Bill, Bill, Bill... Bill Nye, the science guy
>> ♪ Bill, Bill, Bill...
>> T-minus seven seconds. >> ♪ Bill, Bill, Bill...
>> T-minus seven seconds.
>> Bill Nye, the science guy. ♪ >> T-minus seven seconds.
>> Bill Nye, the science guy. ♪
>> Bill Nye, The Science Guy is >> Bill Nye, the science guy. ♪
>> Bill Nye, The Science Guy is
brought to you by: Socks. >> Bill Nye, The Science Guy is
brought to you by: Socks.
Socks stick together. ( thunder crashing )
( loud popping ) >> BILL: Lightning bolts
and sparks happen when
electricity makes air glow. and sparks happen when
electricity makes air glow.
Now, electricity is the flow of electricity makes air glow.
Now, electricity is the flow of
tiny particles called electrons. Now, electricity is the flow of
tiny particles called electrons.
And you know about electrons tiny particles called electrons.
And you know about electrons
'cause they're flowing through And you know about electrons
'cause they're flowing through
your television set right now. 'cause they're flowing through
your television set right now.
But this is static electricity; your television set right now.
But this is static electricity;
and "static" is from a word that But this is static electricity;
and "static" is from a word that
means "stay," so the charged and "static" is from a word that
means "stay," so the charged
electrons are staying on that means "stay," so the charged
electrons are staying on that
big ball, and they build up a electrons are staying on that
big ball, and they build up a
big charge, and then the charge big ball, and they build up a
big charge, and then the charge
lets go. big charge, and then the charge
lets go.
The electrons start flowing. lets go.
The electrons start flowing.
Isn't that wild? The electrons start flowing.
Isn't that wild?
It's lightning! Isn't that wild?
It's lightning!
( thunder booming ) >> BILL: You've probably felt a
static electrical charge if
you've ever shuffled your feet static electrical charge if
you've ever shuffled your feet
across the carpet and touched a you've ever shuffled your feet
across the carpet and touched a
doorknob, or somebody else. >> Whoa! >> BILL: Well, here's what
happens: happens:
As you rub your feet on the As you rub your feet on the
carpet, electrons-- the tiny carpet, electrons-- the tiny
pieces of atoms that have pieces of atoms that have
electrical charge-- build up on electrical charge-- build up on
you or the carpet, so that you or the carpet, so that
there's a static charge. there's a static charge.
Now, by rubbing this fur on this Now, by rubbing this fur on this
red plastic rod, I end up with red plastic rod, I end up with
electrons on the rod. electrons on the rod.
It has a static electrical It has a static electrical
charge. charge.
So watch what happens when I So watch what happens when I
bring it near this silver bring it near this silver
painted Ping-Pong ball. painted Ping-Pong ball.
They attract, see? They're pulled together because
they have opposite charges.
Now, there's an old saying, they have opposite charges.
Now, there's an old saying,
"opposites attract," and it may Now, there's an old saying,
"opposites attract," and it may
be true for people... "opposites attract," and it may
be true for people...
>> Oh, Bill... be true for people...
>> Oh, Bill...
>> BILL: Oh, gosh. >> Oh, Bill...
>> BILL: Oh, gosh.
But it's certainly true for >> BILL: Oh, gosh.
But it's certainly true for
electrical charges. But it's certainly true for
electrical charges.
Now suppose we want to make a electrical charges.
Now suppose we want to make a
big static electrical charge. Now suppose we want to make a
big static electrical charge.
Well, we could use something big static electrical charge.
Well, we could use something
like this. Well, we could use something
like this.
This is called a "Van de Graaf like this.
This is called a "Van de Graaf
generator." This is called a "Van de Graaf
generator."
It's named after Robert Van de generator."
It's named after Robert Van de
Graaf. It's named after Robert Van de
Graaf.
So here's what happens. Graaf.
So here's what happens.
Electrical charges are So here's what happens.
Electrical charges are
deposited on this rubber belt. Electrical charges are
deposited on this rubber belt.
The rubber belt turns and deposited on this rubber belt.
The rubber belt turns and
redeposits the electrical The rubber belt turns and
redeposits the electrical
charges up here, on this metal redeposits the electrical
charges up here, on this metal
ball. charges up here, on this metal
ball.
Now, since this next part of ball.
Now, since this next part of
the demonstration rocks, I'm Now, since this next part of
the demonstration rocks, I'm
going to put on my rocker wig the demonstration rocks, I'm
going to put on my rocker wig
of science. going to put on my rocker wig
of science.
Yeah! of science.
Yeah!
Now, we start the rubber belt Yeah!
Now, we start the rubber belt
turning. Now, we start the rubber belt
turning.
Electrical charges are being turning.
Electrical charges are being
deposited on the metal ball. Electrical charges are being
deposited on the metal ball.
They're running through my arm, deposited on the metal ball.
They're running through my arm,
and being deposited in me. They're running through my arm,
and being deposited in me.
And look, it's building up in my and being deposited in me.
And look, it's building up in my
rocker wig of science. And look, it's building up in my
rocker wig of science.
See, since these charges are all rocker wig of science.
See, since these charges are all
the same, they're not See, since these charges are all
the same, they're not
attracting-- no, they're the same, they're not
attracting-- no, they're
repelling. attracting-- no, they're
repelling.
They're pushing apart, so repelling.
They're pushing apart, so
they're pushing the hairs of my They're pushing apart, so
they're pushing the hairs of my
rocker wig apart. they're pushing the hairs of my
rocker wig apart.
Now, if I could find a way to rocker wig apart.
Now, if I could find a way to
get these electrical charges off Now, if I could find a way to
get these electrical charges off
of me back into some other parts get these electrical charges off
of me back into some other parts
of the room, the hairs wouldn't of me back into some other parts
of the room, the hairs wouldn't
repel each other. of the room, the hairs wouldn't
repel each other.
There wouldn't be a static repel each other.
There wouldn't be a static
electrical charge. There wouldn't be a static
electrical charge.
No, the charge would jump. electrical charge.
No, the charge would jump.
Let's try it. No, the charge would jump.
Let's try it.
Watch what happens when I bring Let's try it.
Watch what happens when I bring
this ball near this ball. Watch what happens when I bring
this ball near this ball.
Whew! this ball near this ball.
Whew!
( popping ) Whew!
( popping )
Whew! ( popping )
Whew!
Whew! Whew!
Whew!
( popping ) Whew!
( popping )
( slow motion ): Whew! Whew! ( popping )
( slow motion ): Whew! Whew!
See the spark? ( slow motion ): Whew! Whew!
See the spark?
The charges jumped. See the spark?
The charges jumped.
The static electrical charges The charges jumped.
The static electrical charges
aren't static. The static electrical charges
aren't static.
No, they jumped. aren't static.
No, they jumped.
Static electricity-- it rocks. No, they jumped.
Static electricity-- it rocks.
( popping ) Static electricity-- it rocks.
( popping )
Whew! ( popping )
Whew!
See that? It sparked. Whew!
See that? It sparked.
( loud pop ) >> BILL: Hey, Elaine, how's it
going?
>> Oh, hi, Bill. going?
>> Oh, hi, Bill.
It's going good. >> Oh, hi, Bill.
It's going good.
Who am I fooling? It's going good.
Who am I fooling?
It's no use pretending anymore. Who am I fooling?
It's no use pretending anymore.
Every time I do my laundry, I It's no use pretending anymore.
Every time I do my laundry, I
get this embarrassing electron Every time I do my laundry, I
get this embarrassing electron
buildup. get this embarrassing electron
buildup.
>> BILL: Oh, you mean static buildup.
>> BILL: Oh, you mean static
cling. >> BILL: Oh, you mean static
cling.
>> Oh, fine. cling.
>> Oh, fine.
Here I am with my clothes full >> Oh, fine.
Here I am with my clothes full
of electrons, creating a Here I am with my clothes full
of electrons, creating a
negative static electric charge, of electrons, creating a
negative static electric charge,
and all's you can say is "static negative static electric charge,
and all's you can say is "static
cling"? and all's you can say is "static
cling"?
>> BILL: Well, uh, have you cling"?
>> BILL: Well, uh, have you
tried spraying it with water? >> BILL: Well, uh, have you
tried spraying it with water?
>> Huh?! tried spraying it with water?
>> Huh?!
>> BILL: The water absorbs the >> Huh?!
>> BILL: The water absorbs the
electric charge. >> BILL: The water absorbs the
electric charge.
Look. electric charge.
Look.
See? Doesn't stick. Look.
See? Doesn't stick.
>> But now it's all wet. See? Doesn't stick.
>> But now it's all wet.
>> BILL: Well, what can I tell >> But now it's all wet.
>> BILL: Well, what can I tell
you, Elaine? >> BILL: Well, what can I tell
you, Elaine?
It's a process. you, Elaine?
It's a process.
I mean, you know, it doesn't It's a process.
I mean, you know, it doesn't
happen all at once. I mean, you know, it doesn't
happen all at once.
I mean, first the laundry's in happen all at once.
I mean, first the laundry's in
the dryer spinning around in I mean, first the laundry's in
the dryer spinning around in
that desiccated atmosphere. the dryer spinning around in
that desiccated atmosphere.
You know, there's no humidity that desiccated atmosphere.
You know, there's no humidity
and there's very little water You know, there's no humidity
and there's very little water
in there, so the electrons, and there's very little water
in there, so the electrons,
with the friction of the in there, so the electrons,
with the friction of the
spinning, they can build up on with the friction of the
spinning, they can build up on
one surface or the other, spinning, they can build up on
one surface or the other,
either on the shirt or the one surface or the other,
either on the shirt or the
sock, so the electrons... either on the shirt or the
sock, so the electrons...
>> ( echoing ): Boy, this guy sock, so the electrons...
>> ( echoing ): Boy, this guy
can really go on and on when it >> ( echoing ): Boy, this guy
can really go on and on when it
comes to static cling. can really go on and on when it
comes to static cling.
He just goes on and on and my comes to static cling.
He just goes on and on and my
sock's all wet. He just goes on and on and my
sock's all wet.
>> BILL: ...so the sock doesn't sock's all wet.
>> BILL: ...so the sock doesn't
stick. >> BILL: ...so the sock doesn't
stick.
I mean, laundry doesn't happen stick.
I mean, laundry doesn't happen
all at once, you know. I mean, laundry doesn't happen
all at once, you know.
I mean... sorry. >> Here are three fun things you
can do with a balloon and your
hair. can do with a balloon and your
hair.
>> One: Rub a balloon to your hair.
>> One: Rub a balloon to your
hair, stick it to a wall. >> One: Rub a balloon to your
hair, stick it to a wall.
>> Two: Get some sugar. hair, stick it to a wall.
>> Two: Get some sugar.
Now rub the balloon on your >> Two: Get some sugar.
Now rub the balloon on your
hair. Now rub the balloon on your
hair.
It makes a sugar storm. hair.
It makes a sugar storm.
>> Three: Cut little people out It makes a sugar storm.
>> Three: Cut little people out
of paper. >> Three: Cut little people out
of paper.
Rub a balloon to your hair. of paper.
Rub a balloon to your hair.
The people dance. >> Static!
>> Static.
>> BOTH: Static. >> Static.
>> BOTH: Static.
>> BILL: Science! >> BOTH: Static.
>> BILL: Science!
Science! >> BILL: Science!
Science!
Static electricity! Science!
Static electricity!
Static! Static electricity!
Static!
>> So get this, everything has Static!
>> So get this, everything has
electrons, and electrons are >> So get this, everything has
electrons, and electrons are
tiny little charged particles electrons, and electrons are
tiny little charged particles
that are part of atoms. tiny little charged particles
that are part of atoms.
>> BILL: Static on radios... that are part of atoms.
>> BILL: Static on radios...
( radio changing stations, >> BILL: Static on radios...
( radio changing stations,
 static ) ( radio changing stations,
 static )
...and televisions is caused by static )
...and televisions is caused by
static electricity on dust, and ...and televisions is caused by
static electricity on dust, and
water vapor in the Earth's static electricity on dust, and
water vapor in the Earth's
atmosphere which the antennas water vapor in the Earth's
atmosphere which the antennas
pick up. atmosphere which the antennas
pick up.
And now... some more static. pick up.
And now... some more static.
( eerie music playing ) And now... some more static.
( eerie music playing )
>> Now for something... ( eerie music playing )
>> Now for something...
really shocking! >> Now for something...
really shocking!
( footsteps ) ( electrical buzzing )
( screams ) >> BILL: Here's the static
electricity generator, just full
to the brim with electrons. electricity generator, just full
to the brim with electrons.
I'm going to let some of the to the brim with electrons.
I'm going to let some of the
electrons jump off. I'm going to let some of the
electrons jump off.
We scientists like to say, "I'm electrons jump off.
We scientists like to say, "I'm
letting the electrons We scientists like to say, "I'm
letting the electrons
discharge." letting the electrons
discharge."
Now, where do they go when we discharge."
Now, where do they go when we
discharge them? Now, where do they go when we
discharge them?
>> Home, maybe? discharge them?
>> Home, maybe?
I don't know. >> Home, maybe?
I don't know.
>> BILL: Hm. I don't know.
>> BILL: Hm.
Well, they go into the ground. >> BILL: Hm.
Well, they go into the ground.
>> Oh. Well, they go into the ground.
>> Oh.
>> BILL: Now, when you say "the >> Oh.
>> BILL: Now, when you say "the
ground," you mean the ground, >> BILL: Now, when you say "the
ground," you mean the ground,
like the earth, like part of our ground," you mean the ground,
like the earth, like part of our
planet? like the earth, like part of our
planet?
>> That's what I was thinking. planet?
>> That's what I was thinking.
>> BILL: Yeah, the ground. >> That's what I was thinking.
>> BILL: Yeah, the ground.
>> Mm-hmm. >> BILL: Yeah, the ground.
>> Mm-hmm.
>> BILL: Well, how do they get >> Mm-hmm.
>> BILL: Well, how do they get
there? >> BILL: Well, how do they get
there?
Ah, with a ground wire. there?
Ah, with a ground wire.
>> What? Ah, with a ground wire.
>> What?
>> BILL: The ground wire runs >> What?
>> BILL: The ground wire runs
from the machine... >> BILL: The ground wire runs
from the machine...
( man singing operatically in from the machine...
( man singing operatically in
 shower ) ( man singing operatically in
 shower )
>> BILL: ...right to the main shower )
>> BILL: ...right to the main
cold water pipe... >> BILL: ...right to the main
cold water pipe...
( man screams ) cold water pipe...
( man screams )
...in the lab. ( man screams )
...in the lab.
And the cold water pipe runs ...in the lab.
And the cold water pipe runs
right through the floor. The pipes run underneath the
floor of the lab all the way
down here and then into the floor of the lab all the way
down here and then into the
earth. down here and then into the
earth.
That way electrons can find earth.
That way electrons can find
their way to or from the ground That way electrons can find
their way to or from the ground
just like that. You may have seen a third prong
on some electrical plugs.
Well, that's the ground wire. on some electrical plugs.
Well, that's the ground wire.
It lets extra electrons get to Well, that's the ground wire.
It lets extra electrons get to
or from the ground quickly and It lets extra electrons get to
or from the ground quickly and
quietly. or from the ground quickly and
quietly.
Well, thanks for joining us on quietly.
Well, thanks for joining us on
"Consider the Following." Well, thanks for joining us on
"Consider the Following."
( whirring, electrical popping ) "Consider the Following."
( whirring, electrical popping )
Discharge, electrons. ( whirring, electrical popping )
Discharge, electrons.
>> Uh, Bill? Discharge, electrons.
>> Uh, Bill?
>> BILL: Discharge to the >> Uh, Bill?
>> BILL: Discharge to the
ground. >> BILL: Discharge to the
ground.
>> Bill? >> Now you know! ♪ It won't make a mess
On your pants or your dress
Roll over, sit up or do tricks On your pants or your dress
Roll over, sit up or do tricks
♪ But they'll stick to a wall Roll over, sit up or do tricks
♪ But they'll stick to a wall
In a room or a hall ♪ But they'll stick to a wall
In a room or a hall
Balloony-Stix In a room or a hall
Balloony-Stix
♪ Balloony-Stix Balloony-Stix
♪ Balloony-Stix
Just fill 'em with air, ♪ Balloony-Stix
Just fill 'em with air,
Start rubbing your hair Just fill 'em with air,
Start rubbing your hair
♪ With the wackiest toy Start rubbing your hair
♪ With the wackiest toy
That you know ♪ With the wackiest toy
That you know
Then tell all your friends That you know
Then tell all your friends
♪ To buy nine or ten Then tell all your friends
♪ To buy nine or ten
From Statico ♪ To buy nine or ten
From Statico
Balloony-Stix. ♪ From Statico
Balloony-Stix. ♪
>> Balloony-Stix: the balloon Balloony-Stix. ♪
>> Balloony-Stix: the balloon
toy that sticks to walls. >> Balloony-Stix: the balloon
toy that sticks to walls.
From Statico. toy that sticks to walls.
From Statico.
>> "Tales From the Lab," with From Statico.
>> "Tales From the Lab," with
your host Bill Nye. >> "Tales From the Lab," with
your host Bill Nye.
>> BILL: Here it is. your host Bill Nye.
>> BILL: Here it is.
"Once upon a time, many, many >> BILL: Here it is.
"Once upon a time, many, many
years ago in Greece, there lived "Once upon a time, many, many
years ago in Greece, there lived
some pine trees, and although years ago in Greece, there lived
some pine trees, and although
the pine trees eventually died, some pine trees, and although
the pine trees eventually died,
some of their sap hardened into the pine trees eventually died,
some of their sap hardened into
a gold-colored substance we call some of their sap hardened into
a gold-colored substance we call
amber. a gold-colored substance we call
amber.
Many years later, amber played amber.
Many years later, amber played
an important part in a movie Many years later, amber played
an important part in a movie
about dinosaurs that made lots an important part in a movie
about dinosaurs that made lots
and lots of money." about dinosaurs that made lots
and lots of money."
( dinosaur roaring ) and lots of money."
( dinosaur roaring )
( man screams ) ( dinosaur roaring )
( man screams )
( crunching ) ( man screams )
( crunching )
( clears throat ) ( crunching )
( clears throat )
Any-anyway, "Many, many years ( clears throat )
Any-anyway, "Many, many years
before that, a Greek philosopher Any-anyway, "Many, many years
before that, a Greek philosopher
named Thales took some amber of before that, a Greek philosopher
named Thales took some amber of
his own and polished it with a named Thales took some amber of
his own and polished it with a
cloth. his own and polished it with a
cloth.
He noticed that after polishing, cloth.
He noticed that after polishing,
the amber would attract small He noticed that after polishing,
the amber would attract small
objects like dust and hair. the amber would attract small
objects like dust and hair.
We know today that Thales was objects like dust and hair.
We know today that Thales was
rubbing electrons from the cloth We know today that Thales was
rubbing electrons from the cloth
onto the amber, making the amber rubbing electrons from the cloth
onto the amber, making the amber
negatively charged. onto the amber, making the amber
negatively charged.
The Greek word for 'amber' is negatively charged.
The Greek word for 'amber' is
'electron,' which is where we The Greek word for 'amber' is
'electron,' which is where we
get the word 'electricity.'" 'electron,' which is where we
get the word 'electricity.'"
( sighs ) The end.
( static ) ( blender whirring )
Electric motors, like the ones
in blenders, can make electrical Electric motors, like the ones
in blenders, can make electrical
noise that looks and sounds just in blenders, can make electrical
noise that looks and sounds just
like static. noise that looks and sounds just
like static.
Electric motors also can help like static.
Electric motors also can help
you make a mighty mean banana Electric motors also can help
you make a mighty mean banana
milk shake. Ahh...
>> Third down and four now.
The ball is snapped. >> Third down and four now.
The ball is snapped.
Handoff to Electronski... The ball is snapped.
Handoff to Electronski...
( blender whirring, static ) Handoff to Electronski...
( blender whirring, static )
>> Aw, not again, Bill. ( blender whirring, static )
>> Aw, not again, Bill.
I'm trying to watch the game. >> Aw, not again, Bill.
I'm trying to watch the game.
Turn off the blender! I'm trying to watch the game.
Turn off the blender!
>> BILL: Sorry, sorry. Turn off the blender!
>> BILL: Sorry, sorry.
( blender stops ) >> BILL: Sorry, sorry.
( blender stops )
>> ...and he's driven out about ( blender stops )
>> ...and he's driven out about
the 40-yard line. >> ...and he's driven out about
the 40-yard line.
>> Are you feeling dull, boring, the 40-yard line.
>> Are you feeling dull, boring,
negative, like everything is the >> Are you feeling dull, boring,
negative, like everything is the
same old same old? negative, like everything is the
same old same old?
Well, worry no more, and let same old same old?
Well, worry no more, and let
Johnny Static give a charge to Well, worry no more, and let
Johnny Static give a charge to
your life, not to mention your Johnny Static give a charge to
your life, not to mention your
hairdo! your life, not to mention your
hairdo!
Johnny's unique style of hair hairdo!
Johnny's unique style of hair
design has helped to add a spark Johnny's unique style of hair
design has helped to add a spark
to millions of people like design has helped to add a spark
to millions of people like
yourself. to millions of people like
yourself.
So act now to add a jolt to your yourself.
So act now to add a jolt to your
hair tomorrow! So act now to add a jolt to your
hair tomorrow!
( maniacal laughter ) >> BILL: Hey, we're on top of
the Space Needle in Seattle,
Washington, about 184 meters off the Space Needle in Seattle,
Washington, about 184 meters off
the ground. Washington, about 184 meters off
the ground.
Now, this is the closest thing the ground.
Now, this is the closest thing
to a cloud. Now, this is the closest thing
to a cloud.
So we've got lightning rods on to a cloud.
So we've got lightning rods on
it. So we've got lightning rods on
it.
There's 24 lightning rods about it.
There's 24 lightning rods about
this tall, and there's one big There's 24 lightning rods about
this tall, and there's one big
one. this tall, and there's one big
one.
So if an electrical storm comes one.
So if an electrical storm comes
along, the electrical charges So if an electrical storm comes
along, the electrical charges
are gonna find their way to the along, the electrical charges
are gonna find their way to the
ground through one of these are gonna find their way to the
ground through one of these
things. ground through one of these
things.
( dramatic music plays ) things.
( dramatic music plays )
Pretty cool, huh? ( dramatic music plays )
Pretty cool, huh?
>> Careful. >> Here are two fun things you
can do with your hair and a
comb. can do with your hair and a
comb.
>> One, cut a square of paper. comb.
>> One, cut a square of paper.
Tape it in a roll, like this. >> One, cut a square of paper.
Tape it in a roll, like this.
Then, comb your hair very fast. Tape it in a roll, like this.
Then, comb your hair very fast.
Hold the comb near the paper. Wow! Neato!
Two, comb your hair again.
Now hold the comb near running Two, comb your hair again.
Now hold the comb near running
water. The water bends.
Electrons went from your hair to
the comb. Electrons went from your hair to
the comb.
All those extra electrons are the comb.
All those extra electrons are
what pulled the paper. All those extra electrons are
what pulled the paper.
The comb built up a negative what pulled the paper.
The comb built up a negative
charge. The comb built up a negative
charge.
That's what pulled the water charge.
That's what pulled the water
molecules. That's what pulled the water
molecules.
>> BOTH: Static! molecules.
>> BOTH: Static!
>> Hey, youse, get yourselves a >> BOTH: Static!
>> Hey, youse, get yourselves a
pencil. >> Hey, youse, get yourselves a
pencil.
>> 'Cause you're gonna need it pencil.
>> 'Cause you're gonna need it
later. >> 'Cause you're gonna need it
later.
>> BILL: Static charges build up later.
>> BILL: Static charges build up
on things when they rub >> BILL: Static charges build up
on things when they rub
together, right? on things when they rub
together, right?
Well, try this. together, right?
Well, try this.
Get a plastic soft drink Well, try this.
Get a plastic soft drink
bottle... Get a plastic soft drink
bottle...
( boinging ) bottle...
( boinging )
...and a glass one. ( boinging )
...and a glass one.
( clinking ) ...and a glass one.
( clinking )
Rub the plastic one with a wool ( clinking )
Rub the plastic one with a wool
sweater. Rub the plastic one with a wool
sweater.
( squeaking ) sweater.
( squeaking )
Set it down on edge like that. ( squeaking )
Set it down on edge like that.
Now rub the glass one with a Set it down on edge like that.
Now rub the glass one with a
piece of silk you might have Now rub the glass one with a
piece of silk you might have
lying around the house. piece of silk you might have
lying around the house.
( squeaking ) lying around the house.
( squeaking )
What happens when you bring them ( squeaking )
What happens when you bring them
near each other? What happens when you bring them
near each other?
Try it. near each other?
Try it.
I said try it! Try it.
I said try it!
>> When you build up these tiny I said try it!
>> When you build up these tiny
little charged particles, you >> When you build up these tiny
little charged particles, you
get static electricity. little charged particles, you
get static electricity.
>> Uh-huh. >> Now you know! >> BILL: You can make your own
precision static electricity precision static electricity
detector called an... Yeah. All you need is a peanut
butter jar.
Of course, it's got to be empty butter jar.
Of course, it's got to be empty
like this one. Of course, it's got to be empty
like this one.
>> Mm-hmm. like this one.
>> Mm-hmm.
>> BILL: Then you need a coat >> Mm-hmm.
>> BILL: Then you need a coat
hanger. >> BILL: Then you need a coat
hanger.
You may want to get an adult to hanger.
You may want to get an adult to
help you with this part. You may want to get an adult to
help you with this part.
But cut the coat hanger in two help you with this part.
But cut the coat hanger in two
places like this. But cut the coat hanger in two
places like this.
>> Watch yourself there. places like this.
>> Watch yourself there.
>> BILL: And now we want this >> Watch yourself there.
>> BILL: And now we want this
piece of coat hanger to go >> BILL: And now we want this
piece of coat hanger to go
through a hole in a peanut piece of coat hanger to go
through a hole in a peanut
butter jar lid. through a hole in a peanut
butter jar lid.
A great way to do this is with a butter jar lid.
A great way to do this is with a
pair of pliers and a candle. A great way to do this is with a
pair of pliers and a candle.
You definitely want an adult to pair of pliers and a candle.
You definitely want an adult to
help you with this part. You definitely want an adult to
help you with this part.
After it's warm, push the coat help you with this part.
After it's warm, push the coat
hanger through the peanut butter After it's warm, push the coat
hanger through the peanut butter
jar lid. hanger through the peanut butter
jar lid.
Oh, look at that. Oh, look. jar lid.
Oh, look at that. Oh, look.
Look. Now that right there... Oh, look at that. Oh, look.
Look. Now that right there...
That is a great hole in a peanut Look. Now that right there...
That is a great hole in a peanut
butter jar lid for a coat hanger That is a great hole in a peanut
butter jar lid for a coat hanger
right there. butter jar lid for a coat hanger
right there.
That is a great. right there.
That is a great.
>> Mm-hmm, cut! That is a great.
>> Mm-hmm, cut!
>> BILL: Now a piece of aluminum >> Mm-hmm, cut!
>> BILL: Now a piece of aluminum
foil. >> BILL: Now a piece of aluminum
foil.
Cut it with scissors. foil.
Cut it with scissors.
Use your fingernail and smooth Cut it with scissors.
Use your fingernail and smooth
it out. Use your fingernail and smooth
it out.
Fold the piece of aluminum foil it out.
Fold the piece of aluminum foil
over the hook part of the coat Fold the piece of aluminum foil
over the hook part of the coat
hanger. over the hook part of the coat
hanger.
Now screw the jar back together. hanger.
Now screw the jar back together.
Secure the coat hanger with a Now screw the jar back together.
Secure the coat hanger with a
little piece of clay. Secure the coat hanger with a
little piece of clay.
>> How long is this going to go little piece of clay.
>> How long is this going to go
on, uh, Bill? >> How long is this going to go
on, uh, Bill?
>> BILL: We need an electrode on, uh, Bill?
>> BILL: We need an electrode
ball. >> BILL: We need an electrode
ball.
You can use a piece of aluminum ball.
You can use a piece of aluminum
foil. You can use a piece of aluminum
foil.
Roll it into a ball and stick it foil.
Roll it into a ball and stick it
on top of the coat hanger. Roll it into a ball and stick it
on top of the coat hanger.
Now you need some static on top of the coat hanger.
Now you need some static
electricity. >> You're good at that. You're a little too good at
that, Bill. >> BILL: Look. The leaves of the
aluminum foil push apart.
The leaves of foil are moving aluminum foil push apart.
The leaves of foil are moving
and I'm not even touching it. The leaves of foil are moving
and I'm not even touching it.
>> So? and I'm not even touching it.
>> So?
>> BILL: I think it's pretty >> So?
>> BILL: I think it's pretty
cool. >> BILL: I think it's pretty
cool.
It is cool. cool.
It is cool.
It's an electroscope right here It is cool.
It's an electroscope right here
in a peanut butter jar. It's an electroscope right here
in a peanut butter jar.
>> What can he do with a jelly in a peanut butter jar.
>> What can he do with a jelly
jar? >> BILL: This is how lightning
works.
Electrical charges build up and works.
Electrical charges build up and
build up and they push away from Electrical charges build up and
build up and they push away from
each other. build up and they push away from
each other.
Eventually, they push away from each other.
Eventually, they push away from
each other so much, they end up Eventually, they push away from
each other so much, they end up
falling to the ground. each other so much, they end up
falling to the ground.
( makes thunder sound ) With this I could-- dare I say
it-- rule the world.
Well, maybe not, but it's pretty it-- rule the world.
Well, maybe not, but it's pretty
cool. ( piano playing ) ( boy laughs )
>> BILL: When lightning strikes,
it heats the air to over 30,000 >> BILL: When lightning strikes,
it heats the air to over 30,000
degrees Celsius. it heats the air to over 30,000
degrees Celsius.
Hot air smacks into cool air, degrees Celsius.
Hot air smacks into cool air,
and that makes thunder. Hot air smacks into cool air,
and that makes thunder.
( gasps ) and that makes thunder.
( gasps )
Lightning and thunder, they come ( gasps )
Lightning and thunder, they come
from static electricity. Lightning and thunder, they come
from static electricity.
Jumping electrons! from static electricity.
Jumping electrons!
Whoa! I think they're in for a
surprise.
>> Ow! >> I send electric arcs directly
into wet paint on glass. into wet paint on glass.
Don't try this at home. Don't try this at home.
And it spreads the paint and And it spreads the paint and
moves through it and does things moves through it and does things
I wouldn't get any other way. This is weird science, if you
will.
( laughs ) will.
( laughs )
I'm using weird science to make ( laughs )
I'm using weird science to make
art objects. I'm using weird science to make
art objects.
I'm actually sending miniature art objects.
I'm actually sending miniature
lightning bolts into wet paint I'm actually sending miniature
lightning bolts into wet paint
on glass. lightning bolts into wet paint
on glass.
And the electrons come streaming on glass.
And the electrons come streaming
out of the lightning brush And the electrons come streaming
out of the lightning brush
trying to get to ground. out of the lightning brush
trying to get to ground.
Mysterious, strange. trying to get to ground.
Mysterious, strange.
This is cool science. Mysterious, strange.
This is cool science.
Out of that rod comes a million This is cool science.
Out of that rod comes a million
and a half volts of lightning. Out of that rod comes a million
and a half volts of lightning.
It jumps through the air, hits and a half volts of lightning.
It jumps through the air, hits
the wet paint on the glass and It jumps through the air, hits
the wet paint on the glass and
gives me elegant surprises-- the wet paint on the glass and
gives me elegant surprises--
new things that I would not find gives me elegant surprises--
new things that I would not find
any other way. new things that I would not find
any other way.
>> BILL: ( yelling ) any other way.
>> BILL: ( yelling )
>> Static electricity isn't >> BILL: ( yelling )
>> Static electricity isn't
always static. >> Static electricity isn't
always static.
That is, it doesn't always stay always static.
That is, it doesn't always stay
in one place. That is, it doesn't always stay
in one place.
Sometimes, when it builds up in one place.
Sometimes, when it builds up
enough, it can jump from one Sometimes, when it builds up
enough, it can jump from one
thing to another. ( rock playing ) ♪ I got some amber
I got some cat fur
I think I'll rub one I got some cat fur
I think I'll rub one
♪ On the other and see I think I'll rub one
♪ On the other and see
If the electrons ♪ On the other and see
If the electrons
Will gather on one If the electrons
Will gather on one
♪ And build up to charge it Will gather on one
♪ And build up to charge it
negatively ♪ And build up to charge it
negatively
I want to roll, I want to rock negatively
I want to roll, I want to rock
♪ I want to give you such a I want to roll, I want to rock
♪ I want to give you such a
shock ♪ I want to give you such a
shock
With static electricity shock
With static electricity
♪ With static electricity With static electricity
♪ With static electricity
Particles flocking ♪ With static electricity
Particles flocking
Electricity, it's static Particles flocking
Electricity, it's static
♪ Electricity Electricity, it's static
♪ Electricity
It's really shocking ♪ Electricity
It's really shocking
It's static electricity, It's really shocking
It's static electricity,
♪ It's static electricity It's static electricity,
♪ It's static electricity
People are talking ♪ It's static electricity
People are talking
Electricity, it's static People are talking
Electricity, it's static
♪ Electricity Electricity, it's static
♪ Electricity
It's really shocking ♪ Electricity
It's really shocking
Electrons when they gather It's really shocking
Electrons when they gather
♪ Together Electrons when they gather
♪ Together
They make a negative charge ♪ Together
They make a negative charge
The start of a spark They make a negative charge
The start of a spark
♪ In clouds when they build up The start of a spark
♪ In clouds when they build up
It really is no wonder ♪ In clouds when they build up
It really is no wonder
That when they discharge, It really is no wonder
That when they discharge,
♪ It's lightning and thunder That when they discharge,
♪ It's lightning and thunder
Lightning ♪ It's lightning and thunder
Lightning
And that is electricity, Lightning
And that is electricity,
♪ It's static electricity And that is electricity,
♪ It's static electricity
Particles flocking ♪ It's static electricity
Particles flocking
Electricity, it's static Particles flocking
Electricity, it's static
♪ Electricity Electricity, it's static
♪ Electricity
It's really shocking ♪ Electricity
It's really shocking
It's static electricity It's really shocking
It's static electricity
♪ It's static electricity It's static electricity
♪ It's static electricity
People are talking ♪ It's static electricity
People are talking
Electricity, it's static People are talking
Electricity, it's static
♪ Electricity Electricity, it's static
♪ Electricity
It's really shocking. ♪ ♪ Electricity
It's really shocking. ♪
( musical interlude ) >> BILL: Well, that's our show.
Thanks for watching.
If you'll excuse me, i've got Thanks for watching.
If you'll excuse me, i've got
about a million volts of If you'll excuse me, i've got
about a million volts of
electricity to keep track of. about a million volts of
electricity to keep track of.
Keep your electrons jumping. electricity to keep track of.
Keep your electrons jumping.
>> Produced in association with Keep your electrons jumping.
>> Produced in association with
The National Science Foundation. >> Produced in association with
The National Science Foundation.
>> Lightning! >> Cut.
>> There you go.
Keep going. >> BILL: So, are we ready to do
it?
Here's the latest. it?
Here's the latest.
Static charges build up when Here's the latest.
Static charges build up when
things rub on each other. Static charges build up when
things rub on each other.
That's what I like to say. things rub on each other.
That's what I like to say.
Static charges build... That's what I like to say.
Static charges build...
Here we go. Static charges build...
Here we go.
Static charges build up when Here we go.
Static charges build up when
things rub on each other, right? Static charges build up when
things rub on each other, right?
Well, get... things rub on each other, right?
Well, get...
Whoa. Well, get...
Whoa.
>> Keep going. >> BILL: Rub the plastic one.
Sorry. Let me do it again.
Static charges build up when Sorry. Let me do it again.
Static charges build up when
things rub on each other, right? Static charges build up when
things rub on each other, right?
Get a plastic soft drink bottle things rub on each other, right?
Get a plastic soft drink bottle
and a glass one. Get a plastic soft drink bottle
and a glass one.
Rub the plastic one with a wool and a glass one.
Rub the plastic one with a wool
sweater. Rub the plastic one with a wool
sweater.
Then rub the glass one with a sweater.
Then rub the glass one with a
piece of silk you might have Then rub the glass one with a
piece of silk you might have
lying around the house. piece of silk you might have
lying around the house.
What happens when you bring the lying around the house.
What happens when you bring the
bottles near each other? What happens when you bring the
bottles near each other?
I said try it! THANKS FOR WATCHING - LIKE & SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE @SERIOUSLYSCIENTIFIC

Transcript for:Understanding Static Electricity and Its Effects

Transcript for:
Understanding Static Electricity and Its Effects