Rich Webb
Guest
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 Posted:
Mon Oct 11, 2004 7:08 pm Post subject:
Re: aluminum foil and TV |
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On 11 Oct 2004 05:08:32 GMT, kellyclarksontv@cs.com (KellyClarksonTV)
wrote:
| Quote: | Earlier today a rather large piece of aluminum foil jumpped in front of the TV.
When I went to remove it I got a rather painful static shock. I repeated it a
few times, and it seems to occur only right after turning on or turning off the
TV. Anyone able to explain this?
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Yes. Apparently, your aluminum foil has been animated by a malign
spirit, a.k.a. "demon" or poltergeist. Seek help immediately!
(Sorry, couldn't resist...)
The TV tube has several electron guns in the rear that paint the glass
face with a negative charge. (Lots of variables involved here, so don't
expect identical results with other TVs, computer monitors, etc.)
When you turn it on, it suddenly charges from ground potential to a
negative potential. Over time, the charge will equalize with the ground
environment and then when you turn it off you end up with a positive
charge on the face.
If you touch the tube with your finger (no foil, yet) you may get a
small spark or, more likely, a barely audible zzt when you release the
static charge on a small portion of the screen. Glass is an insulator,
so your finger only discharges the immediate vicinity.
Slap on the aluminum foil and suddenly you're able to discharge a much
larger surface area, the foil being a somewhat better conductor than
glass.
--
Rich Webb Norfolk, VA |
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