Volta's Hailstorm Apparatus, Van de Graaff generator

 

Code Number: 5B30.60

Demo Title: Smoke Precipitator

Condition: Good

Principle: Electrostatics

Area of Study: Electricity & Magnetism

Equipment: 

Volta's Hailstorm Apparatus, Van de Graaff generator, grill lighter or matches, cigarettes, cigars, or smoke source.

Procedure:

Volta's Hailstorm may be used to precipitate smoke particles.  Fill the apparatus with smoke and connect the two plates of the apparatus, one to Van de Graaff ball and one to the Van de Graaff base.  When the Van de Graaff is turned on the smoke is attracted to one of the plates and precipitates out of the atmosphere.  

You can make a larger version of this by using a 2 L. soda bottle.  Insert electrodes into each end, fill with smoke, and turn on the VDG.  

References:

  • Eb-12:  Freier and Anderson,  A Demonstration Handbook for Physics.
  • E-190:  "Smoke Precipitator",  DICK and RAE Physics Demo Notebook.
  • Robert A. Morse, " # 2, Cottrell Smoke Precipitator", Teaching about Electrostatics, p. 4 - 3.