A great way to demonstrate basic principles of electrostatics. The metallized ball, when first brought near the dome, is attracted by induction until it touches. It is immediately charged to the full dome potential and repelled. The ball then floats at a distance from the dome. The silver snake is also attracted by induction, but as soon as it touches the dome, it too is repelled. Whereas the ball retains its charge, the ribbon does not and repeatedly strikes back.
Length: 72 cm