Lightning Demonstration
Safety Warnings
Danger: High Voltage Hazard
Warning: Pacemaker Warning
Purpose
Demonstrates how conductor geometry affects electric discharge. A pointed electrode produces continuous corona discharge, while a ball-topped electrode accumulates charge and produces dramatic sparks — directly illustrating lightning rod physics.
Figure 1:
Complete setup showing the Van de Graaff generator connected to the lightning demonstration apparatus. The red wire delivers high voltage from the generator's dome to the top plate of the demonstration device.
Figure 2:
Lightning demonstration apparatus with both electrodes in place. The pointed electrode (left) and ball-topped electrode (right) are positioned below the top plate with approximately half-inch gaps.
Figure 3:
With the pointed electrode knocked over using the glass-handled discharge rod, charge accumulates on the ball-topped electrode. A faint purple glow is visible before dramatic spark discharge occurs.
Demo Apparatus
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