Electricity and Magnetism
DEM02 - Static Electricity, Van-de-Graaf Generator, Wimshurst Machine
Objective:
- To illustrate demonstration instruments that produce static electricity.
Apparatus:
- Van-de-Graaf generator and Aluminum sphere
- Wimshurst machine
Method:
The students observe and hear the spark that is produced by both the Van-de-Graaf generator and Wimshurst Machine.
When using the aluminum sphere, the wire from the base of the Van-de-Graaf should be connected to the slot in the aluminum sphere.
Watch a How does a Van de Graaff Generator work?
detailed video demonstration on Youtube
- Video created by Micheal de Podesta from the National Physical Laboratory
Watch a MIT Physics Demo -- The Wimshurst Machine
detailed video demonstration on Youtube
- Video created by the MIT Physics Deptartment