Wimshurst Machine

Driving Question: How does the Wimshurst machine produce charges?

Introduction: This apparatus is designed to demonstrate one of the first apparatus developed for producing electricity.

Materials:

• • Dielectric disks

  • Electrodes

  • Conducting plates

  • Double-ended brush

  • Collecting combs

  • Leyden jars

  • 2 Aluminum spheres

  • Handle

Procedure:

• Crank the handle of the Wimshurst Machine.

• Ensure the electrodes are a few centimeters apart.

• Watch the sparks!

Scientific Principals: The Wimshurst Machine, is capable of throwing long sparks as much as several centimeters between two small conductive spheres. The Wimshurst machine is usually also tied to a Leiden jar, which presents a good opportunity to explore capacitance and charge storage.

Safety Regulations:This product is designed to emit electrostatic sparks. The sparks can be painful, but are not

dangerous to healthy adults. People with sensitive hearts should not use the Wimshurst Machine