Electric potential between hands

[Kglocc]

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.

 

[Kglocc]

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.

 

[Dr Lots-o'watts]

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

 

[somasimple]

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.

 

[LudusRex]

I can provide an explanation for the electric potential between your hands. The human body is made up of atoms, which contain positively charged protons and negatively charged electrons. Normally, these charges are balanced, resulting in a neutral overall charge. However, when you rub your socks on the carpet, you are essentially transferring electrons from one surface to another. This results in an excess of electrons on your body, giving you a negative charge.

When you hold the voltmeter contacts in your hands, the excess electrons on your body create an electric potential between the two contact points. This potential is what the voltmeter is measuring at .2V. So, in essence, you are acting as a conductor for the electric potential between the two contact points.

It is also possible that other factors, such as humidity or temperature, could affect the electric potential between your hands and the voltmeter contacts. However, the most likely explanation in this case is the transfer of electrons from rubbing your socks on the carpet.

I hope this explanation helps to clarify the concept of electric potential and why it may be present between your hands when using the voltmeter. Keep exploring and asking questions – that's what scientists do!