Electrostatic energy on my cat?

In summary, the conversation discusses the electrostatic energy generated between a person's hands and a cat's fur while playing, and whether the body receives positive or negative charges. It is suggested that the body is likely to become negatively charged due to the sharp hairs of the cat donating electrons. However, it is noted that measuring this voltage on a normal voltmeter is difficult and may discharge the body quickly. There is also a discussion on how to determine whether the charges are positive or negative. The conversation ends with a request for suggestions on how to measure the voltage from electrostatic energy.
  • #1
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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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  • #2
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.
 
  • #3
A simple volt meter would tell you for sure.
 
  • #4
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
 
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