Is my Leyden jar experiment properly designed?

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SUMMARY

The Leyden jar experiment discussed involves constructing a Leyden jar using a plastic cup, aluminum foil, and salt water, with a spring as a conductor. The user initially attempted to charge the jar using a 9V battery but was uncertain about the charging process. Suggestions included using aluminum foil on both the inside and outside of the cup for better charge storage and ensuring the electric field is oriented correctly. The experiment was confirmed to be functioning after adjustments were made.

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  • Understanding of Leyden jar construction and operation
  • Basic knowledge of electric fields and charge storage
  • Familiarity with using a multimeter to measure voltage
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  • Research the principles of electrostatics and electric fields
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This discussion is beneficial for physics enthusiasts, educators conducting experiments, and hobbyists interested in electrostatics and capacitor design.

miraiw
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I'm attempting to make a Leyden jar by taking a plastic cup, covering the inside with aluminium foil, and then filling the cup with salt water. I have a spring sticking through the centre that conducts through the inner foil.

Judging from the Wikipedia article on Leyden jars I can use my hand instead of the outer foil, but how do I charge it? I clamped the positive terminal of a 9V to the spring and held the outside of the cup, but I can't tell that any charge is being stored in the foil. Should I hold the negative terminal too or what?

I can provide a picture on request.
 
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Why don't you go foil cup foil and then hook up both terminals . Could we see a picture of your setup please.
 
http://imagebin.org/139123
So I should put foil on the outside? I can see how that would work better, but it should work with my hand.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
so your are trying to get electrons to build up on the foil, Is your E field in the right direction.
 
cragar said:
Is your E field in the right direction.

What do you mean, exactly?
 
Thanks for the replies. It's at least working now.
 

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