{"id":53719,"date":"2025-10-04T04:45:36","date_gmt":"2025-10-03T19:45:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/phys-edu.net\/wp\/?p=53719"},"modified":"2025-10-04T04:45:36","modified_gmt":"2025-10-03T19:45:36","slug":"amazing-experiment-how-to-make-shocking-static-water-electro-tea-electric-drinks-static-electricity-fun","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/phys-edu.net\/wp\/?p=53719&lang=en","title":{"rendered":"Amazing Experiment! How to Make Shocking Static Water, Electro-Tea & Electric Drinks (Static Electricity Fun)"},"content":{"rendered":"

I’m Ken Kuwako, your Science Trainer! Every day is an experiment.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Ever seen celebrities on TV react with surprise to that mysterious, tingling drink, commonly known as the “static electricity drink”?<\/p>\n

“What does it taste like?” “What does it mean for electricity to flow through your body?”<\/p>\n

This endlessly intriguing experiment actually traces its roots back to a groundbreaking invention over 250 years ago! And the best part? You don’t need any special equipment to replicate this phenomenon at home (with extreme caution, of course!)\u2014you just need to understand the principle.<\/p>\n

Today, we’ll uncover the secrets of the “static electricity drink” that even famous actresses have found shocking, and guide you through the world of the “Leyden Jar,” an invention that made its mark in scientific history.<\/p>\n

Actress Suzu Hirose Was Shocked! The Impact of the Static Electricity Drink<\/h3>\n

Once, during a TV program for which I provided scientific supervision, actress Suzu Hirose experienced this static electricity drink.<\/p>\n

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After taking a sip, Hirose described the jolt as feeling like her “lips were punched from the inside!” It was a moment when a simple drink instantly transformed into an astonishing experience. The fun of this experiment isn’t about taste, but about directly feeling the sensation of electricity flowing through your body. (Click here for more details about that moment<\/a>)<\/p>\n

However, this intense experience requires significant caution. Since even a slight miscalculation of the electrical charge can be dangerous, please do NOT attempt to imitate this experiment casually after reading this article. If you do wish to try it, it MUST be done under the supervision of a science professional. It is strictly forbidden for individuals with pacemakers or weak hearts.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Scientific Thermos! The Secret of the “Leyden Jar”<\/h3>\n

Before we dive into the experiment, let’s talk a little about the main player in this phenomenon: the “mechanism for storing electricity.”<\/p>\n

The aluminum foil-wrapped cup used in this experiment actually has almost the same structure as the “Leyden Jar,” the world’s first device successful at storing electricity. The Leyden Jar was a revolutionary capacitor invented in the 18th century at Leiden University in the Netherlands, and it significantly contributed to the development of later electrical research.<\/p>\n

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Here’s how it works: negative charges (electrons) are introduced into the water (or aluminum foil) inside the cup using a Van de Graaff generator or similar device.<\/p>\n

Then, repelled by the negative charges accumulated inside, the negative charges on the outside of the cup (in the hand holding it) escape through the body to the ground. As a result, positive charges are left behind on the outside. Since the plastic cup is an “insulator” that doesn’t conduct electricity, the negative charges inside and the positive charges outside remain attracted to each other, facing off across the cup.<\/p>\n

This “state where positive and negative charges face each other across an insulator” is the fundamental principle of a device that stores electricity\u2014a “capacitor.” You are now preparing to relive the same excitement felt by scientists 250 years ago!<\/p>\n

Recreate it at Home! How to Make a Static Electricity Drink<\/h3>\n

Now, let’s look at how to make the modern-day Leyden Jar: the “static electricity drink.”<\/p>\n

What you need:<\/h4>\n

Plastic cup
\nAluminum foil
\nWater (tea or juice also works!)
\nStatic electricity source: Van de Graaff generator, or (for home use) a balloon and a towel, or a plastic sheet and a dry cloth<\/p>\n

Method:<\/h4>\n

First, wrap aluminum foil around the outside of the cup. The basic method is to wrap it in a strip about 1 cm high from the bottom, but the width of this foil is actually a crucial key to determining the amount of electricity stored.<\/p>\n

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Place another strip of aluminum foil inside the cup and pour water into it.<\/p>\n

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3. Now, to charge it with electricity. If using a Van de Graaff generator, touch it to the inner aluminum foil to transfer the charge.<\/p>\n

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If you don’t have a Van de Graaff generator, repeatedly rub a balloon charged with static electricity by rubbing it with a towel against the inner aluminum foil. Especially during dry winters (December to February), static electricity is easily generated, increasing the success rate.<\/p>\n

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Preparation complete!<\/p>\n

Time to Drink! Why Your Lips Tingle<\/h3>\n

Hold the cup firmly, making sure to touch the outer aluminum foil, and as you go to drink… “Zap!” A jolt runs through your lips.<\/p>\n