Take Apart Leydon Jar Capacitor

This experiment uses the Wimshurst static electric generator to produce high voltages that are then stored on the Leydon Jar. The jar consists of two aluminum cups separated by a plastic dielectric cup. Once the Leydon Jar is charged it may be taken apart and all of the parts can be touched together, but once it's reassembled if a discharging rod is connected between the inner and outer aluminum cups a spark will occur. This experiment shows that charge is stored on the surface of the dielectric and until a connection is made between the inner and outer surfaces it will not discharge.

Pira DCS # 5C20.30

Equipment
Wimshurst Generator   Leydon Capacitor