Electrostatic Pinwheel - Ion Motor

 

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 Code Number :   5B30.50

Disclaimer:

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

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Condition :   Excellent  
Principle :   Surface Charge Density   
Area of Study :  Electricity and Magnetism  
Equipment :   Electrostatic pinwheel and Van de Graaff generator.

Procedure :   Connect the dome of the Van de Graaff generator to the connection on the pinwheel.  When you turn on the generator electrostatic charge leaking off the points will cause the pinwheel to turn.
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   Web Sites

 

  "A High Voltage Ion Motor."  www.scitoys.com 

 

   References

Jason English, "The Ionic Hair Dryer", TPT, Vol. 45, # 7, Oct. 2007, p. 458.

Zygmunt Przeniczny, "A Variation of Electric Wind Experiment", TPT, Vol. 10, # 6, Sept. 1972, p. 338.

 

Thomas B. Greenslade, Jr., "Electrical Inclined Plane (Photo)", AJP, Vol. 71, # 6, June 2003, p. 606.

 

Eb-10:  Freier and Anderson,  A Demonstration Handbook for Physics.

 

E-185:  "Ions Deflect Flame-Ionic Drive,"  DICK and RAE Physics Demo Notebook.

 

6.49:  Jearl Walker, "Electrical Pinwheel," The Flying Circus of Physics with Answers.



Mail Questions and Comments to:  Dale Stille