[Virginia Tech Department of Physics]

Lecture Demonstrations

Electricity & Magnetism
   

E11: Wimshurst Machine

 

Purpose: To demonstrate high-voltage electrostatic phenomena.

Description:

 

Wimshurst machine, Leyden jar.

Use your own imagination, but some of the possible demonstrations are as follows:

  1. Demonstrate arcing across several centimeters, indicating a potential difference of the order of 100 kV.
  2. Charge the Leyden jar, and discharge it to produce a large spark. Recharge the Leyden jar; give each can to a separate student to hold; then reassemble and show that you still get an arc between the inner and outer cans. (The charge stays on the glass).

 

 

Equipment List: Storage Location: Hahn N 130A

 

Wimshurst Machine C2.6
  Dissectible Leyden Jar C2.4
  Discharge rod C2.4

References:

Manual: None

  Setup Notes: E11 PIRA #:
Manufacturer(s): Other school's Demonstration web pages

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