Camera Flash

The capacitor charges to over 300V and can deliver a painful shock even after the battery is removed. Capacitors can hold charge for extended periods. Always discharge the capacitor through the flash before handling, and only touch insulated components. Do not allow students to handle this equipment.

The flash produces intense light that can cause temporary vision impairment and discomfort if viewed directly. Keep the flash pointed away from faces, and warn students before triggering. Consider using a diffuser or pointing at a white card for visibility without direct viewing.

Purpose

A salvaged disposable camera flash circuit demonstrates capacitor energy storage and rapid discharge. A 1.5 V AA battery charges a 100 $\mu$ F capacitor to over 300 V, which then discharges through the xenon flash tube in milliseconds.

Bare circuit board from a disposable camera flash with white cylindrical 100 μF capacitor, small xenon flash tube, copper contact bracket, and Duracell AA battery alongside

Figure 1: The salvaged flash assembly: 100 μF capacitor (white cylinder), xenon flash tube, circuit board with voltage multiplier, and AA battery. Use a plastic stick to bridge the copper contacts and trigger the flash.

Disposable Camera Flash

1

Danger: High Voltage Hazard

Warning: Bright Light Warning

Purpose

Safety Warnings

Danger: High Voltage Hazard

Warning: Bright Light Warning

Purpose