PIRA 5C20.30 - Capacitance: Dissectible Capacitor

Photo Shows the Demonstration used at the University of Texas.

• Demonstration includes a Leyden jar type capacitor, metal grounding plate and a Wimshurst machine for charging.
  
• One pole the Wimshurst is connected to the top post of the Leyden jar.
  
• The second pole on the Wimshurst is connected with a wire to the edge of a metal grounding plate.
  
• Demo Staff: Use an alligator clip that has been spread open a bit at at the connector to facilitate quick removal of the red wire.
  

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Photo Shows the loose fit of the alligator clip relative to the banana plug on the end of the red wire .



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Procedures / Presentation in Class:

• After charging the Leyden Jar with the Wimshurst, quickly disconnect the red wire from the top post.
  

Photo Shows the removal of the red wire .



• The Leyden jar can now be dissassembled and then reassembled on top of the wooden portion of the table.
  

• Once reassembled - the Leyden jar can be discharged with the provided tool.

Photo Shows the use of the Discharge Wand.

The 3 minute video below is intended for staff use.

Last Updated 4/18 - University of Texas at Austin Physics Dept. - All Rights Reserved.