The large Van de Graaf is used to produce a strong electrostatic field. A pith ball is suspended near the generator, it moves quickly and erratically in the field. A wire mesh cylinder is then placed around the ball. A discharge rod is placed nearby and sparks are pulled from the cage, but the ball isn't affected.
This demo can be found in cabinet E on shelf 2 of the UCSD PUL Demo Room (WLH 2015).
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