Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

I am having some trouble with my science project,. Last weekend I could do all of the steps perfectly fine except for transferring the energy in the Leyden Jar to the aluminum sheet. I tried to figure out what was wrong by redoing the project multiple times, but nothing worked. So, I bought new materials in case the other ones we already had worn out. Today, I attempted the science project again and none of the steps are working. I can't even produce the static charge on the acrylic sheet (which is the first step), so I am going to go buy a new acrylic sheet. The project that I am doing is called "where there is charge, there can be sparks" from science buddies. I can charge the Leyden jar but I cannot transfer to the aluminum sheet. I am not getting any spark at all. Please help me!

Hi inquisitive,
Sorry to hear about your trouble with this experiment. Since you mentioned that you cannot produce static charge on the acrylic sheet, I am starting to think that this may be related to the environment, especially if the humidity level is high. Please try again on a dr

In response to your next part of the question about transferring the charge to the aluminum sheet, it may be easier to observe the spark in the dark.
Please let us know how this goes.
Good Luck!
Willey