- When capacitor is charged by Wimshurst generator, dielectric plate experiences a force, pulling plate into capacitor.
Location
- Capacitor, dielectric plate, and balance arm: L01, section B1.
- Wimshurst generator: L01, Section A2.
capacitance
Flame in Capacitor
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When high voltage is applied across capacitor plates, flame is deflected towards positive plate.
Location
- Capacitor: L01, section B1
- High Voltage Power Supply: L01, section A1
- Candle: L02, Section C3
Capacitor Discharge
Connect the capacitor to one of the HP power supplies located in L35. Charge the capacitor to 100-140 V (the more V the louder the bang).After the capacitor is fully charged, disconnect it from the power supply(or, if using a switch to charge up capacitor, flip switch to “discharge”).Finally, short the capacitor leads with the metal part of the screw driver. A loud bang and bright spark will imediately ensue.
- Located in L01, section A2
Energy in Capacitor
- Purpose: Compare the energy stored in a capacitor to the
potential energy of an object raised vertically by the electrical discharge
of the capacitor; measure the efficiency of a motor. - Located in L01, section B1.
Leyden Jar
- Purpose: Illustrate principles of capacitance.
- Use Wimshurst generator to charge inner canister. Discharge
using long screwdriver, or other insulated conductive device (not your fingers, i.e. don’t touch inner and outer canisters simultaneously). - Located in L01, section A2