{"id":52237,"date":"2025-09-15T05:09:21","date_gmt":"2025-09-14T20:09:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/phys-edu.net\/wp\/?p=52237"},"modified":"2025-09-15T05:09:21","modified_gmt":"2025-09-14T20:09:21","slug":"beyond-pikachus-shock-experience-150000-volts-of-static-electricity-with-a-van-de-graaff","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/phys-edu.net\/wp\/?p=52237&lang=en","title":{"rendered":"Beyond Pikachu\u2019s Shock! Experience 150,000 Volts of Static Electricity with a Van de Graaff"},"content":{"rendered":"

I’m Ken Kuwako, the Science Trainer! Let’s have fun with science together on this site.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Have you ever touched a doorknob on a dry winter day and had a “ZAP!” with a spark flying, making you involuntarily yelp? That small, but definitely painful, “static electricity.” Did you know that this phenomenon has a surprising connection to a special move of a certain character we all know and love?<\/p>\n

That’s right, it’s Pikachu’s “Thunderbolt” ⚡ from Pok\u00e9mon!<\/p>\n

What if that little “ZAP!” from the doorknob held more power than Pikachu’s move? Today, I’ll take you on a thrilling and slightly painful (lol) journey into the deep and magnificent world of static electricity!<\/p>\n

More than Pikachu!? The Shock of 150,000 Volts ⚡<\/p>\n

The Static Electricity Generator! The Van de Graaff!<\/h3>\n

Pikachu’s “100,000 Volts” move is famous, but the Van de Graaff static electricity generator made by NALIC can produce a maximum of 150,000 volts! That’s right, it surpasses Pikachu!<\/p>\n

So what do you think would happen if you turn on a Van de Graaff generator and move your hand close to it? A visible bolt of lightning will actually jump to your fingertip from as far as 10 cm away. I’ve captured this powerful moment in a video, so please take a look.<\/p>\n