Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hi,

I am trying to perform the experiment in "Where there is Charge, There can be Sparks!" from Science Buddies and I am unable to charge the Leyden jar. When I charge my Electrophorus, do i touch it with my finger before i touch the nail to the aluminum pie pan. I tried testing to see if i was charging the jar by touching one end of the wire to the nail to see if i had a spark, and i did not. Not sure what step i am missing. I have constructed the electrophorus like it says in the directions, and the leyden jar with the nail, foil, water inside. Can you give an idea of what i am doing wrong.

Cronsci2

Hello and welcome to the forums

First, do you get a crackling sound when you rub the wool on the acrylic sheet? Did you make sure to remove the plastic coating on the acrylic? If so, then when you transfer the charge to the Electrophorus, do NOT touch the Electrophorus, as that discharges it. Do you hear any sparks or crackling when you lay the Electrophorus on the acrylic sheet? How about when it touches the nail in the Leyden jar?

The sparking / crackling noise is a good way to know if you are successfully creating a static charge.

Let us know what happens in each of these steps.
Keith

I don't hear a crackling sound when I am rubbing the wool cloth on the acrylic sheet, but if I pick up the acrylic sheet I hear static popping. I also get a static shock if I touch the aluminum pan after placing it on the acrylic sheet. It just doesn't seem like I am transferring the charge to the capacitor when I touch the nail. I am wondering if I built the capacitor correctly with the water, nail, and foil.

HI:

Are you making sure that nothing touches the pan between when you place it on the acrylic sheet and then touch the nail?

Make sure the nail in the Leyden jar, and the water, never touch anything conductive. For example, the foil on the outside must never come in contact with the water or the nail. There must be enough water in the jar to keep the nail always covered, even when tipped on its side.

Keith

Hi. I have a similar problem. When i rub the wool on the acrylic, I hear some slight popping noises. I place the electrophorus on the acrylic, then touch the pie pan as I should. When I touch the electrophorus to the leyden jar nail, I see a spark. But, when I test to see if it received any charge by slowly connecting them with a wire,nothing happens. I made the jar as i should have...