Electricity and Magnetism
DEM03 - Electrostatic Point Discharge, Electric Whirl
Objective:
- To illustrate discharge from a point..
Apparatus:
- Wimshurst machine
- Propeller
- Leads
Method:
One lead from the Wimshurst machine is connected to the pivot of the
propeller. Another lead is connected to the metal cart. Rapid rotation
is caused by reaction forces due to the repulsion of electrons from the
points.
The Electric Whirl spins rapidly in a direction that is away from the points. Since the spokes are continuously charged, the ionized air particles are repelled and the spinning results from an equal and opposite force reaction. Even if it is given an initial spin in the opposite direction, it will stop and reverse.