Electrostatic energy on my cat?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the generation of electrostatic energy when interacting with a cat, specifically whether the individual develops a positive or negative charge as a result. Participants explore measurement techniques and the nature of charge transfer in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the body likely becomes negatively charged due to the cat's fur donating electrons.
  • Another participant proposes using a voltmeter to measure the electrostatic charge, but notes that standard voltmeters may not be effective due to their discharge characteristics.
  • A later reply questions the capability of a voltmeter to determine the polarity of the charge, indicating that it may only measure voltage without distinguishing between positive and negative charges.
  • Participants seek suggestions on alternative methods to measure the voltage from electrostatic energy to ascertain the nature of the charges involved.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on whether the body acquires a positive or negative charge, and participants express differing views on measurement techniques and their effectiveness.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the effectiveness of standard voltmeters in measuring electrostatic charges and the ambiguity regarding the determination of charge polarity.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in electrostatics, pet owners curious about static electricity, and those exploring measurement techniques for electrostatic phenomena.

oem7110
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When I play with my cat, there is some electrostatic energy generating between my hands and cat's fur, does anyone have any suggestions whether my body get positive charges after playing with my cat or negative charges?
Thanks in advance for any suggestions
 
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oem7110 said:
When I play with my cat, there is some electrostatic energy generating between my hands and cat's fur, does anyone have any suggestions whether my body get positive charges after playing with my cat or negative charges?
Thanks in advance for any suggestions

Likely negatively charged. The sharp hairs of the cat are more likely to donate electrons to your hand.
 
A simple volt meter would tell you for sure.
 
mrspeedybob said:
A simple volt meter would tell you for sure.

This voltage from electrostatic energy is fairly difficult to measure on a volt meter. A normal voltmeter won't work: the electrical resistance of a normal voltmeter will discharge your body almost instantly.
Furthermore, on a volt meter, is there any feature to determine whether the charges are positive or negative? It seems to me that there is only one direction scale for voltage, and cannot tell whether the charges are positive or negative.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to measure the voltage from electrostatic energy? in order to determine whether the charges are positive or negative?
Thanks everyone very much for any suggestions

voltmeter.jpg
 
Last edited:

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