El-15 Whimshurst Machine
Aim
To demonstrate the Whimshurst electrostatic generator
Apparatus
- Whimshurst machine
- G Clamp
Whimshurst Machine.
Description
The Whimshurst electrostatic generator is essentially a system of electrophorus plates which operate in a continuous fashion accumulating large amounts of positive and negative charge.Assuming a small amount of positive charge on a disk on one plate A an opposite negative charge is induced on the nearest metal disk on the contra-rotating second plate.The connecting rods transfer an induced positive charge to disks on a diametrically opposite position of Plate A. As the plates rotate the second plate B moves to a position where it induces a positive charge on the disk opposite it on plate A via the second set of connecting rods. With continuous rotation positive charges accumulate at position A and negative charges at B.