Why is my body so sensitive to a van de graaff generator

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around an individual's extreme sensitivity to a van de Graaff generator, which caused them to experience sharp, electric shock-like pain shortly after entering the room where it was operating. Participants suggest that the pain could be linked to ozone sensitivity or a psychological response, emphasizing the validity of psychological discomfort. They recommend conducting an experiment to isolate the generator's effects by obscuring sound and sight while monitoring reactions. The individual confirms that the pain was immediate and not gradual, occurring at a distance of 5 to 6 feet from the generator. Further investigation into the cause of this sensitivity is encouraged, with plans for additional experiments discussed.
Deamonisi
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
my husband has a van de Graaff generator and one day he decided to bring it out and show me since i had never seen one. well after about 5 minutes of it running i could not even be in the same room as it while it was running because it caused me physical pain. now i want to know why did this happen. what caused my body to be so sensitive to it if someone could please help me answer that it would be great! thank you!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You are sensitive to Ozone.
 
if you could elaborate a bit that would be appreciated! thank you!
 
What kind of pain?
Were you hit by sparks?
 
I think it could well be a psychological effect. This is no to dismiss it in any way. Psychological discomfort is a very valid phenomenon.
To be sure it is nothing more than this, he would have to operate it (making the noise) behind a screen (hidden from you) and with ear defenders / loud music on earphones (so you couldn't hear anything) and in the conditions with the dome earthed (keeping his hand on top would do) and unearthed. If there is a physical effect then you should be able to tell the difference without looking or hearing.
It would be interesting for us to know the result of this experiment. You could also do the experiment out of doors to see whether the smell is the reason.

That'll give you a happy Saturday afternoon investigation.
 
Deamonisi, we're all speculating wildly, since we don't know exactly what pain you were experiencing.

Describe the pain in detail. What part of your body? Ears? Nose? Skin?
How did the pain manifest? Gradually? The moment you stepped in the room?
Sharp? Dull?
 
so the pain i was experiencing was like little electric shocks under my skin. there were no visible sparks hitting my skin i was about 5/6 feet from the generator. sorry i was not more specific before i hope this will clarify things for you if not please feel free to ask more questions! i would love to figure out why this happened. thank you! :smile:
 
oh the pain started almost immediately after i stepped into the room.. it did not come on gradually. to sophiecentaur that would be interesting to try i will run it by the husband and we could try that experiment will let you know what the results are..
 

Similar threads

Van De Graaf Generator & Gauss's Law
Replies
2
Views
3K
Quick Question on Van de Graaff Particle Accelerators
Replies
1
Views
2K
Van de Graaff help
Replies
5
Views
2K
How does this specific Van de Graaff generator work?
Replies
2
Views
3K
Problems Building a Van De Graaff Generator
Replies
3
Views
2K
What Factors Affect the Maximum Potential of a Van de Graaff Generator?
Replies
1
Views
2K
Measuring Charge on a Van De Graaff Generator: Methods and Obstacles
Replies
2
Views
3K
True output voltage on a Van De Graaff generator?
Replies
6
Views
4K
Electrical Decided to make a Van De Graaff generator
Replies
8
Views
6K
Accelerating ions using Van de Graaff help
Replies
1
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top