electricity.jpg (5852 bytes)

CAPACITANCE -
A DISSECTABLE LEYDEN JAR



EQUIPMENT
    redball.gif (326 bytes) Wimshurst Machine
    redball.gif (326 bytes) Dissectable Leyden Jar
    redball.gif (326 bytes) Insulated Stand
    redball.gif (326 bytes) Insulated Rod
    redball.gif (326 bytes) Electroscope



NARRATIVE
            This Leyden Jar may be charged, disassembled, and reassembled to show that charge resides in the dielectric (insulating medium between plates).  Charge the jar on an insulated surface with the Wimshurst machine. Remove the dielectric tumbler and the inner electrode by grasping the tumbler by the rim.  Set these on an insulated surface and remove the inner electrodes.  Ground both electrodes.  Reassemble in reverse order and if the tumbler has not been grounded, the jar should still be charged.  An electroscope is used to show the charge of the assembled Leyden jar.

Does not do well in high humidity.