Physics 133 Weeks 4 & 5 (Electric Potential & Capacitors)
Capacitors and Capacitance
Capacitor Examples
We have an assortment of capacitors mounted on a display board. Along with these there is also a printout of common capacitor values and their relevant units.
Capacitor Basics
Use a static charge generator to charge up two parallel plates with opposite charge. Then, vary the distance between the two plates while a capacitor is hooked up in parallel with the plates to show students how capacitance varies with distance.
Dielectrics
After charging two parallel plates with a static charge generator, hook up a capacitance meter. Then, insert different dielectric materials to show your students how they affect the capacitance.
Stored Energy in Capacitors
Wimshurst Machine
While rotating the crank clockwise, you can use a Wimshurst Machine to show static discharge, energy stored in capacitors, creating static charge, and in tandem wit our electrostatic pom poms to create a visualization of electric field lines!
Hand Crank Generator
A hand crank generator can be hooked up to a capacitor, small light bulb, or other small electrical devices to show multiple concepts. Energy storage with a capacitor, electrical generator with a small light bulb, or a motor while hooked up to a battery.
Capacitor Charging and Discharging
**WARNING** Dangerous voltage potential.
This device can show many different concepts involving capacitors as it is charged or discharged through the lightbulb on top, or quickly by touching the terminals with a screw driver.
**DO NOT USE UNTIL YOU HAVE WATCHED THE VIDEO**
Batteries
Assortment of Batteries
Here is our assortment of various (dead) batteries that can be passed around to your students. Caution, as there may be some battery acid build up over time. Included is a cut open wet cell.