Discharging from a Point


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 Code Number :   5B30.46

Disclaimer:

Reprinted by permission of Dick Berg, University of Maryland, for use on this website.

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Condition :   Good  
Principle :   Electrostatics  
Area of Study :  Electricity & Magnetism   
Equipment :   Cat fur, PVC rod, speaker/amplifier, tester apparatus
Procedure :   Charge the rod with the cat's fur.  Bring the pointed end of the tester, you should hear a low frequency sound that is made up of electrostatic discharges.  Charge the rod again and bring the rounded end of the tester to the rod and only one of two discharges should be heard.  

NOTE: Do not try this with the Van De Graaff as the potentials are enough to damage the amplifier. 

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   References
George Amann, "Crying" Electrostatics", TPT, Vol. 37, Jan. 1999, p. 10.

F. James Holitza, "Suppression of Lightning by Chaff Seeding", TPT, Vol. 13, # 8, Nov. 1975, p. 501.

 

E. Philip Krider, "Benjamin Franklin and Lightning Rods", Physics Today, Jan. 2006, p. 42.

 

Neil. A. Downie, "Singing Contracts", Ink Sandwiches, Electric Worms and 37 Other experiments for Saturday Science, p. 63.

82, "Micro-Bolt", Janice VanCleave's Earth Science for Every Kid, p. 180



Mail Questions and Comments to:  Dale Stille