Electrostatic Machines - Homemade
Lightning
Once it was realized that electricity was something worthy of
serious study, people figured out how to build devices that would
produce really big effects. Two such devices that we use in our
class are the Wimshurst Electrostatic Machine and the Van de Graaff
Generator.
Well, there are people out there that like to build these for
fun. Following are some links that describe how to build these
devices, how they work and what you can do with them. Start with
the Van de Graaff Generator. It's easier to understand.
| Van de Graaff
Electrostatic Generator Page See, especially, the section
called Explaining Van de Graaff Generator Operation. By
the time of the first Midterm, this should be something you can
understand. If not, come talk to me and we can go through it. |
| Wimshurst
Electrostatic Machine: This
is what one looks like. Note that is has two disks, but
they rotate in opposite directions. Here
is a description of how one works. |
| Electrostatic
Machines A large web page on the subject. |
| Powder
Charging Demonstration |
