Building a Tesla Coil for My High School Graduation Project

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a high school senior's intention to build a small, tabletop Tesla coil for their Graduation Project, which is based on their Physics II class. The student seeks feedback on the practicality, cost, and feasibility of completing the project independently. Key considerations include the voltage requirements for the Tesla coil and the potential for using a laser assembly as an alternative project idea.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of electrical circuits and components
  • Familiarity with Tesla coil design principles
  • Knowledge of safety precautions when working with high voltage
  • Research skills for sourcing materials and instructions
NEXT STEPS
  • Research Tesla coil construction techniques and voltage requirements
  • Explore safety guidelines for high voltage projects
  • Investigate costs and sources for Tesla coil components
  • Learn about laser assembly and power supply construction
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for high school students, physics enthusiasts, and educators interested in practical applications of physics concepts, particularly in electrical engineering and project-based learning.

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My school district requires that each high school senior complete what's called a "Graduation Project," in which the student makes a project of their choice that relates to their academics. There's no specific requirements about the actual project, just the completion of different components (i.e. a writing component, a presentation/speech, etc.) along with the project.

I am choosing my Physics II class to be the base my project and still have to talk to my physics teachers about what I have in mind. I thought I'd propose my idea here on good ol' PF to see what you all think.

I want to build a small, tabletop tesla coil that uses as little voltage as possible to demonstrate the nature of electricity and conductivity. The things I need to know are:

  • Is this even practical for a student with one year of physics behind him?
  • Is it going to be expensive?
  • Is this something I can accomplish on my own with some detailed instructions and some research?
I hope I'm not coming off as impractical or unknowledgable. This is just one idea I have. Feedback?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Here's another idea I have: assemble a laser. Not from scratch, though. I could buy a tube and build the power supply. Any ideas?
 

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