capacitor

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Force on Dielectric

 

Force on Dielectric demo photo

  • 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.

 

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Force on Capacitor Plates

 

 

 

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capacitor 2

  • When Capacitor is charged, plates experience an attractive force.
  • Force can be measured by placing one plate on a tripple beam balance, and suspending the other plate directly above the first using a ring stand.
  • Capacitor plates are connected to high voltage power supply.
  • Compare measured force to theoretical.

Location

  • Balance: L35, section D3
  • High Voltage Power Supply: L01, section A1
  • Capacitor plates with electrodes: L35 section E2
  • Lab Jack: L35, section D1

 

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Capacitor Discharge

 

Capacitor Discharge demo photo

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

 

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Energy in Capacitor

 

Energy in Capacitor demo photo

  • 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.