Is my Leyden jar experiment properly designed?

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter miraiw
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    Experiment Leyden jar
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the design and functionality of a Leyden jar experiment, focusing on the construction method and charging process. Participants explore the theoretical and practical aspects of using a plastic cup, aluminum foil, and salt water as components of the Leyden jar.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested, Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes their method of constructing a Leyden jar using a plastic cup, aluminum foil, salt water, and a conductive spring.
  • Another participant suggests an alternative design of having foil on both the inside and outside of the cup and connecting both terminals of a power source.
  • A participant questions the direction of the electric field and its implications for the experiment.
  • There is a request for pictures of the setup to better understand the construction and charging process.
  • A later reply indicates that the experiment is functioning, though details on how it was resolved are not provided.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have differing views on the optimal design of the Leyden jar and the method of charging it. The discussion includes multiple competing ideas and remains unresolved regarding the best approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the effectiveness of using a hand as part of the Leyden jar and the correct configuration for charging. There are also unresolved questions about the electric field direction and its impact on the experiment.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in experimental physics, DIY electronics, or those looking to understand the principles behind capacitors and electric fields may find this discussion relevant.

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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