Electric potential between hands

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the observation of a voltage reading of about 0.2V when holding voltmeter contacts in each hand. Participants explore potential explanations for this phenomenon, including the effects of moisture, electric fields, and personal variations in voltage readings.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the observed voltage is due to being charged or if it could be a result of static electricity from rubbing socks on the carpet.
  • Another participant suggests that moisture contributes to conductivity, proposing that an uneven distribution of ions between the hands could create a potential difference.
  • A third participant humorously claims a lower voltage reading of 0.03V, implying a more typical measurement.
  • One participant posits that external electric fields from power supplies may influence the readings, suggesting that a DC voltmeter might yield misleading values.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the cause of the voltage reading, with no consensus reached on a singular explanation. Multiple competing hypotheses remain under consideration.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not clarify the specific conditions under which the measurements were taken, nor do they address potential environmental factors that could influence conductivity and voltage readings.

Kglocc
Messages
43
Reaction score
0
When I hold voltmeter contacts in my hands, (one in each) the meter reads about .2V
I know it isn't that significant, but what could be the explanation for this? Are we charged? Why would there be potential between my left and right hand? Or is it just a fluke from rubbing my socks on the carpet or something? hmm I'm going to go check that last theory out, but I still want to shoot this question out.
 
Biology news on Phys.org
its just moisture that makes the conductivity. I guess I've got more ions on one side than the other so I there's potential as well.
 
Kglocc said:
When I hold voltmeter contacts in my hands, (one in each) the meter reads about .2V

I'm only 0.03V so I'm much more normal :p
 
We are simply bathed by alternative electric fields that come from electric power supply.
When measured by a DC voltmeter it will give some wrong value.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Potential difference between a battery's terminal and Earth ground
  • · Replies 58 ·
2
Replies
58
Views
6K
Undergrad How is Potential Difference Created across a Resistor?
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
4K
Potential and Electric Field near a Charged CD Disk
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Undergrad Electric Potential -- Is my understanding correct?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Earthing of two parallel conducting plates
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Electric potential due to shell containing a charge at an offset outside
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
How do thunderstorms recharge the Earth's electric potential?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
6K
Potential difference between two points in an electric field
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Why Is Work Positive When Done Against the Electric Field?
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
4K
Undergrad How a Battery creates a Potential difference in an electrical current
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
6K