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Code Number: 5A20.31
Demo Title: Electro Flyer
Condition: Good
Principle: Electrostatics
Area of Study: Electricity & Magnetism
Equipment:
Electro Flyer, Cat's Fur, Fun Fly Stick and Accessories.
Procedure:
Depending on the time of year, the Electro Flyer may not work well. The Fun Fly Stick will be much more reliable.
Rub the wand with the cat's fur to charge it. Gently drop one of the Mylar bands onto the wand. The band should touch the wand and then jump away. You should be able to keep the band levitated by keeping or moving the wand under it.
You can do the same with a charged rod and a feather with a small quill backbone. Charge the rod and then rub the feather along the rod to get it charged. Charge the rod again and then let the feather go above the rod. The feather should float about 6 inches above the rod and be very easy to keep there.
The Fun Fly Stick comes with its own flying toy shapes.
References:
- Carson I. A. Ritchie, "Flying Feather", Making Scientific Toys, p. 148.
- John E. Peterson, "No Batteries, Strings, or Wires!", TPT, # 4, April 1985, p. 223.
- Grant Mellor, "The "Magic" of an Electric Charge", Flying Tinsel, 1993, p. 8.
- Tik L. Liem, "The Levitation Act", Invitations to Science Inquiry - Supplement to 1st and 2nd Ed. p. 86.
- Herb Strongin, “Using Air and Static Electricity to Overcome Gravity “, Science on a Shoestring, p. 127.