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The Wimshurst Machine

Introduction:
You may have heard of the Van de Graph generator - a tall machine with a large metal ball
on top that generates an electrical field. It will shock anything that gets close and makes
your hair stand up on your head!  But have you ever heard of a Wimshurst Machine? It's a
device that uses a slightly different technique, but delivers the same shocking results.
Visit here for the Social Studies component and here for the ELA component

PBL - Action Video

PBL Wimshurst Machine - Action Video

Driving Question:
The driving question behind my project is "How does the Wimshurst machine produce a
charge?" First, it's important to look closely at the device. As you can see, each metal
sector moves very close to the collection comb. When the disks start to turn, the metal
segments rub against the brushes. This rubbing effect creates an electric charge in each
metal segment, which is transferred through induction to the Leyden jars. According to
the Conservation of Energy principle, mechanical energy from you turning the wheel is
changed into electrical energy
Materials:
The only materials that I need for this
project is a Wimshurst machine. However,
to demonstrate the effects of the machine,
I will also use things like Faraday cages,
Lightning plates, neon lamp tube, and
conduction sphere. You can see these
things in my full PBL video demonstration,
located on my home page.
  
Procedure:
Scientific Principle:
Unlike Van de Graph generators, which are
based on friction, this machine is based on
the property of induction. Induction is when
a difference in charge is created by moving
a charged object near a neutral one. Since
positive repels negative, a positively charged
object will push the positive charges in the
neutral object away, even without touching
it. This is how the Wimshurst machine
charges the Leyden Jars. You can read more
about the scientific principles by reading my
investigation question, here.
The first step for starting this project is
making sure that the machine is on a
stable surface, away from anyone who
might accidentally touch it. Next, you will
separate the spark bars to allow a charge
to build up in the leyden jars. Lastly, take
the handle and start turning the wheels,
making a charge build up in the jars until
you get a spark!

TASK 6 STARTS FROM HERE

Investigation (Guiding) Questions

What do you observe when you spin the Wimshurst machine?

You observe the buildup and then release of a static charge caused by rotating the
disks.
How do you know that charge is being produced when the Wimshurst machine is
spinning?
You can tell by the smell of ozone and by moving the rods close together to see if
there is any discharge.
Where is the charge coming from and will the Wimshurst machine ever run out of
charge?
The Wimshurst machine will never run out of charge because it is simply amplifying
an imbalance of charge between the two disks.
What evidence is there that an electric field is being produced by the Wimshurst
machine?
There is evidence an electric field is being produced because of the machine’s
effects on small particles that will align themselves
What tools can you use, and how would you use them, to prove that an electric field is
being produced by the Wimshurst machine?
You can put pieces of styrofoam on the table near the machine and observe its
effects. Then, put them inside a faraday cage and see if there is a change.

What are everyday examples of electric fields that demonstrate the same properties?
Van de Graph generators, static electricity from blankets, carpets, etc.

What are two electrification methods for transferring charge from the Wimshurst
machine to other objects?
 Attaching leads from the leyden jars or by holding on to the discharge electrodes

How can you show both of these electrification methods using the materials at your
disposal?
Attaching leads from the leyden jars to a charging sphere, or hold a neon wand on
the discharge electrodes.

Synthesis Questions: 

1. What would happen to the charge produced by the Wimshurst machine if the
handcrank on the
machine was turned in the opposite direction? Would this change how the charge is
produced? Why?
If the handcrank was turned in the opposite direction, it would simply reverse the
polarity of the charge going into the leyden jars. It wouldn’t change how charge is
produced because the rules of induction still apply.
2. What would happen to the performance of the Wimshurst machine if you were to
operate it in a
humid environment? Why?
If you operated it in a humid environment it would be more difficult to build up a
static charge because the water molecules in the air would dissipate the voltage.
3. Can charge be transferred (electron transfer) through the air without a spark? If yes,
what is an
example? If no, why not?
Yes, it can be transferred through induction/ through an electric field. An example
of this is turning on a light bulb by holding it near a source of electricity.
4. Imagine a metal pie pan filled with very small bits of dry paper. How would the bits of
paper react if
the metal pan was electrically connected to one of the electrodes on the Wimshurst
machine when you
began to turn its crank? Why?
The bits of paper would move around and align themselves to the electrical current
moving through the pie pan. This is because electricity can have an electrostatic
influence on small particles (like doll’s hair, confetti, etc.)
Subpages (2): ELA Connection Social Studies Connection

Č
ċ PBL Task 12.gdoc (0k) Jonathan Sphar, Feb 4, 2014, 6:08 PM v.1 ď

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