Electrophorus, 5A10.20

Location:

• Cabinet: Electricity and Magnetism Right

• Bay: (A2)

• Shelf: #1

Description:

Invented in 1764 by Johan Wilcke and was improved by Alessandro Volta 11 years later, the Electrophorus or Capacitive Generator produces an electrostatic charge from a process call induction. The Electrophorus is also called a "charge-bearer" and the electrical potential of an Electrophorus can be as high as 30 kV.

Setup:

1. There is no setup procedure

Cautions, Warnings, or Safety Concerns:

1. Our large Electrophorus can deliver a potential as high as 30 kV and can be an unpleasant shock but not too harmful.

Demonstration:

Small Electrophorus:

1. Place flat acrylic plate on grounded conducting plane (not shown).??(Check)
2. Rub the acrylic plate with the rabbit fur. This will negatively charge the acrylic plate.
3. Place Electrophorus on plate
4. Momentarily ground top surface of electrophorus to the same grounding plate that the acrylic plate is on.??(Check)
5. Lift the electrophorus off the acrylic plate.
6. Bring your finger to close to the electrophorus and a spark will jump.
7. To repeat, start at step 3.

Large Electrophorus:

1. Rub the glass plate with the rabbit fur. This will negatively charge the acrylic plate.
2. Place Electrophorus on plate
3. Momentarily ground top surface of electrophorus using the pice of alummum foil coming from the grounding plate benieth the electrophorus.
4. Lift the electrophorus off the glass plate.
5. Bring your finger to close to the electrophorus and a large spark will jump.
6. To repeat, start at step 2.

References:

1. Jones, Thomas B. (July 2007). "Electrophorus and accessories". Univ. of Rochester.

2. Wikipedia

Electrostatics

Demonstrations

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