Millikan Oil Drop Experiment - A few questions

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SUMMARY

The Millikan Oil Drop Experiment using the PASCO Scientific Model 300a has presented challenges in manipulating the droplets within the viewing chamber. Despite multiple attempts, the user reports that droplets consistently move downward and fail to respond to changes in plate charge. Successful oscillation of droplets occurred only twice, indicating a lack of consistent control over the experiment. The discussion highlights the need for better techniques in timing and observation during the experiment.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrostatic forces and their effects on charged particles.
  • Familiarity with the Millikan Oil Drop Experiment methodology.
  • Basic knowledge of using a stopwatch for precise timing in experiments.
  • Experience with laboratory equipment, specifically the PASCO Scientific Model 300a.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research techniques for improving droplet manipulation in the Millikan Oil Drop Experiment.
  • Learn about the effects of varying electric field strength on charged droplets.
  • Study methods for accurate timing and measurement in dark environments.
  • Explore troubleshooting tips for common issues with the PASCO Scientific Model 300a.
USEFUL FOR

Students conducting physics experiments, educators teaching electrostatics, and laboratory technicians working with PASCO Scientific equipment.

ItzPootz
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Millikan Oil Drop Experiment -- A few questions

Homework Statement


I'm currently doing the millikan oil drop lab; we're using a PASCO Scientific Model 300a (fairly ancient). Specifically, my partner and I are having major problems making any of the droplets in the viewing chamber go back up when switching the top plate to negative/positive.

We give it a strong squeeze, we see tons of droplets in the chamber, but they all just keep moving down the chamber. We've had two instances of successfully making a drop oscillate, but we suck at experiments and didn't think about the nuances to using a stopwatch in the dark.

However, the past 3 sessions we've attempted have yielded NO drops that even slow down when charging the plates. What's up with that? I'm desperately looking for pointers here; I didn't think this would be that frustrating.

Thanks for any help.


Homework Equations


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The Attempt at a Solution


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