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- Purpose
- To show that some of the characteristics of an electrostatic discharge.
- Location
- Room 146; shelf L6 (Wimshurst, L2; rod, vertical bin by wall)
- Description
- Get a vertical rod from the vertical bins near the door to room 144 and attach the rod clamp with the wooden dowel at a good height for visibility. Hang the lightning plate from the dowel and attach the alligator clips from the Wimshurst + and - terminals to either end. The Leyden jars on the Wimshurst should not be connected. Turn the lights down for best effect. Just a few turns of the crank should generate a potential difference large enough to result in discharges across the gaps (typically at least 25,000 volts!).
Note that the sparks follow the path of least �resistance� between conductors (i.e. shortest distance). Note also that the spark brightness is uniform from one end to the other, regardless of gap width.
- NOTE: Do not operate the Wimshust any longer than necessary, as the bearings may seize and prevent cranking.
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