Experiment Ed-03

Dissectible Condenser

Description: A capacitor is made which can be easily taken apart. When assembled, the capacitor is charged with a Wimshurst machine. The connections to the Wimshurst machine are removed with insulating rods, to avoid discharging the capacitor. Then the inside can is lifted out using the insulating food. Once it is out, the inside can may be handled freely. The extended lip of the glass insulating section is then lifted out wit the hand and set on the table. The bottom may then be freely handled also.

 

Setup. Wimshurst machine (back) connected to capacitor (left). The insulated discharge rod and an insulated set of grips for breaking the connection between the Wimshurst machine and the capacitor are at right.

The system is reassembled in reverse order. Remember that the inside can must be lowered into place with the insulated rod. When a discharge rod is brought near the inner and outer cans of the capacitor, the charge that was bound in the glass when the system was disassembled is released in a large spark

 

Close up image of capacitor.

 

 

Materials: capacitor that can be taken apart, insulated rods, Wimshurst machine, discharge rod, wires

 

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This page was last updated on Friday August 15, 2008 8:37 PM