https://physlab-wiki.com/ 2026-05-04T02:25:47+00:00 https://physlab-wiki.com/ https://physlab-wiki.com/lib/tpl/UChicago/images/favicon.ico text/html 2023-05-10T15:28:38+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://physlab-wiki.com/physicsdemos/electricity_and_magnetism/capacitance/capacitor_bang?rev=1683746918&do=diff Capacitor Bang A 32 μF photo-flash capacitor is charged to 1000 V using a high-voltage power supply and current-limiting circuit. Once the capacitor is charged the power supply HV output is disabled and an insulated screw driver is used to short the capacitor terminals. The result is a very loud and visible electrical discharge. Charging to the full rated voltage of the capacitor, 2500 V, is not recommended for safety reasons. It is not necessary to disconnect the charging leads during the de… text/html 2023-04-14T11:20:31+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://physlab-wiki.com/physicsdemos/electricity_and_magnetism/capacitance/capacitor_lights_bulb?rev=1681485631&do=diff Capacitor Lights Bulb A low-voltage, 1 F capacitor is charged with a power supply and then used to power a small light bulb. Setup Charge capacitor by connecting it in series with a power supply (no more than 5V). It will take a while for it to charge given its large capacitance. When the current on the supply reads zero, disconnect leads from the supply and connect in series with lightbulb. To demonstrate charging, you can connect the capacitor and light bulb in series with the supply. It … text/html 2021-09-15T16:38:26+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://physlab-wiki.com/physicsdemos/electricity_and_magnetism/capacitance/capacitor_show_and_tell?rev=1631738306&do=diff Capacitor Show and Tell A variety of capacitor types, shapes, and sizes is shown to the class for discussion. K4 PIRA DCS 5C10.10 text/html 2023-05-10T17:16:18+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://physlab-wiki.com/physicsdemos/electricity_and_magnetism/capacitance/dissectible_leyden_jar_dissectible_capacitor?rev=1683753378&do=diff Dissectible Leyden Jar, Dissectible Capacitor A Leyden jar (or capacitor) is electrostatically charged with a Wimshurst generator and then disassembled. In its disassembled state, the parts can be handled freely and touched together with no observable result. However, when the Leyden jar is reassembled and electrical contact is made between the inner and outer conductors a dramatic electrical discharge results.This is used to demonstrate that the charge resides on the surface of the dielectri… text/html 2021-09-15T16:42:04+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://physlab-wiki.com/physicsdemos/electricity_and_magnetism/capacitance/force_on_a_dielectric?rev=1631738524&do=diff Force on a Dielectric Two conducting plates are partially submerged in a dielectric fluid. When a large potential difference is applied to the plates the dielectric rises between them. A Wimshurst machine is used to charge the plates. A video camera is used to project a close-up view for the class. text/html 2025-07-23T13:25:36+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://physlab-wiki.com/physicsdemos/electricity_and_magnetism/capacitance/rc_circuit_charging_and_discharging?rev=1753291536&do=diff RC Circuit Charging and Discharging A three-position switch and DC power supply are used to alternately charge and discharge a series RC circuit while the circuit is monitored with a projection multimeter. J4, A4 PIRA DCS 5C30.15 text/html 2023-05-11T11:26:29+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://physlab-wiki.com/physicsdemos/electricity_and_magnetism/capacitance/variable_gap_parallel_plate_capacitor?rev=1683818789&do=diff Variable Gap Parallel Plate Capacitor A parallel plate capacitor with one movable plate is charged with a current-limited high-voltage power supply. Voltage across the plates is observed with a high input impedance voltmeter as the movable plate is adjusted. The measured voltage is a linear function of the gap as long as the separation is kept sufficiently small (2-6 mm). Alternatively, one can observe dramatic changes in voltage as dielectric materials are inserted and removed from the gap b…