TESLA COIL

EQUIPMENT
    Tesla Coil (high voltage air core transformer)
    Black Power Transformer
    Black Capacitor in an oil bath
    Aluminum rod
    Small Metal Stand
    Cotton
    Fluorescent lamp
    Incandescent lamp



NARRATIVE
       The Tesla coil is a high frequency, high voltage spark generator. It consists of a power transformer, capacitor in an oil bath, and the high voltage air core transformer. Connect the power transformer to the terminals on the capacitor labeled "Transformer sec". Connect the wires of the Tesla coil primary to the side of the capacitor designated "Tesla coil pri". The spark gap acts as an interrupter and must be adjusted for LC resonance which yields maximum spark. Several demonstrations may be performed with the Tesla coil.

    Burning Cotton
            Place a ball of cotton on the small metal stand. Connect the stand to one electrode of the coil. Bring a steel rod near the cotton. A spark will ignite the cotton.

    Lighting Incandescent and Fluorescent Lamps
            Bring the incandescent bulb near one of the Tesla coil electrodes holding it by the aluminum rod. In the other hand, hold a fluorescent tube. Both will light. A chain of a few people may be formed with the last holding a fluorescent tube and the first holding the incandescent bulb.

CAUTION : Always bring a conductor near the electrode to pick off a spark. Direct discharge to the body can cause a burn at the point of contact.