Code Number: 5B30.20
Demo Title: Zeppelin
Condition: Excellent
Principle: Corona Discharge, Surface Charge Density
Area of Study: Electricity & Magnetism
Equipment:
Electrometer and Sensing Cage, Zeppelin, Two Small Paddles, Charging Rods, and Clothes.
Procedure:
Charge the Zeppelin with the charging rod and then with the two small paddles show that the charge density at the pointed end is different than the charge density on the rounded end. The paddles to use have metal on one side and plastic or leather on the other side. The leather or plastic side is the one to use for this experiment.
References:
- David R. Lapp, "Field Lines of Flying Fur", TPT, Vol. 34, # 4, Apr. 1996, p. 252.
- Borislaw Bilash II, David Maiullo, "Electric Field Line Demonstrator", A Demo a Day: A Year of Physics Demonstrations, p. 250.
- Ea-18, 19, 21: Freier and Anderson, A Demonstration Handbook for Physics.
- Joseph Frick, "# 258 - The Distribution of Electricity Over the Surface", Physical Technics: Or Practical Instructions for Making Experiments in Physics and the Construction of Physical Apparatus with the Most Limmited Means, p. 282.