Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

For my project i need a (1 DC high voltage power supply ?up to 50kV at 5005A) link here: http://www.all-science-fair-projects.co ... _57_2.html. Can some1 tell me where to find? thank you

Phailure - I had never really heard of this experiment, so I checked a few sources. The experiment is said to be a frequent favorite of science project builders. The link below shows the experiment with a YouTube video and is quite dramatic.

The article you referenced doesn't describe very well the nature of the power supply used. Perhaps a small Van de Graff generator could be constructed. The link below shows the experiment getting the high voltage DC from a television Cathode Ray Tube (CRT). I cannot overemphasize the danger of working with this kind of apparatus or these VERY LETHAL VOLTAGES AND CURRENTS. Even when turned off for a long period, many CRT's can store a lethal charge for several hours or days. The long wires used in the experiment will have to be made specifically for high voltage applications similar to HV probe wire. Corona effects, ozone generation are all potential health hazards.

I have worked with very high voltages in the past (high voltage multipliers for night vision equipment) and can say that this setup would scare me to death (no pun). If you plan to replicate this experiment, please get some direction from a senior advisor at your school or an engineer in your community that is experienced in using these levels of extremely high voltages. There are many safety techniques that will have to be observed to keep this safe. I also suggest you do additional queries on this experiment to see what other designs have been used successfully. Good luck.

Rick Marz

http://www.all-science-fair-projects.co ... _57_1.html

Does any1 have an idea of a power supply that i might get to use for this project? maybe the website i linked above doesnt have the right one?

Consider a neon sign power supply.