Antenna for Mounting on Induction Coil, and Plexiglas Tube Cover
Antenna for Mounting on Induction Coil, and Plexiglas Tube Cover
Antenna for Mounting on Induction Coil, and Plexiglas Tube Cover

 

Code Number: 5D40.10

Demo Title: Jacob's Ladder

Condition: Excellent

Principle: High Voltage Arcs

Area of Study: Electricity and Magnetism

Equipment: 

Large Oil Filled Transformer Inside Metal Box with Handles, Long Antenna Mounted on Plexiglas Holder, Insulated Connecting Wires, Induction Coil, Antenna for Mounting on Induction Coil, and Plexiglas Tube Cover.

Procedure:

Attach the antenna app. to the transformer using the insulated wires designed for this purpose.  Position the gap so that the spark starts at the bottom of the antenna when the transformer is turned on. The spark should travel upward the length of the antenna if they are set correctly.  Always turn off and unplug the transformer when working on it as it is putting out lethal voltages.  The large plastic pipe may be placed over the antenna to keep air currents in the room from affecting the travel of the spark.

The transformer may be replaced with the induction coil. Although it is not as powerful you can still get the spark to travel 3/4 of the way up the antenna if it is adjusted properly.  There is also a smaller set of antenna that may be used with the induction coil if you do not want to use the large set.  A Plexiglas tube cover will help this demo immensely.

References:

  • William Gurstelle, "How To Build A Jacob’s Ladder", Popular Science, Vol. 288, #2, Mar/Apr. 2016, p. 78.
  • G. D. Freier and F. J. Anderson, "Em - 3",  A Demonstration Handbook for Physics.
  • Julien Clinton Sprott, "4.5, Jacob's Ladder", Physics Demonstrations, ISBN 0-299-21580-6, p. 189.
  • Martin C. Sagendorf, "Jacob's Ladder",  Physics Demonstration Apparatus, 2009. p. 111.
  • Jearl Walker, "6.3. Getting Stuck to Electric Wire", The Flying Circus of Physics with Answers.
  • Sutton, Demonstration Experiments in Physics, McGraw-Hill, 1938, p. 436.
  • Ron Hipschman, "Jacob's Ladder", Exploratorium Cookbook II, p. 93.1 - 93.2.