Blow a Capacitor

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 Code Number :   5C30.15  

Disclaimer:

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

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Condition :   Good  
Principle :   Capacitor Failure  
Area of Study :  Electricity & Magnetism   
Equipment :   0 to 150 AC or VDC Power Supply, Protective Cover, 50 MFD 10 V. Capacitors.

  
Procedure :   This may be done in two ways. You may burn the capacitor up by turning up the voltage on the variable power supply. You will get smoke and some sparks but the capacitor will go nonconductive before it blows up. To blow the capacitor up in a dramatic way turn the voltage on the power supply up to about 120 volts, but leave the power switch off. When you turn the switch on the capacitor will blow up with a good bang and you may then remove the smoke filled box and show the coiled innards of the deceased.  
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   References



Mail Questions and Comments to:  Dale Stille