set up for Baby Plasma Cutter: 9 volt battery, Pencil Leads, clips, and aluminum Foil.
Aluminum foil with "Dale" cut into it

Code Number: 9C40.68

Demo Title: Baby Plasma Cutter

Condition: Excellent

Principle: Plasma and Plasma Tubes

Area of Study: Electricity and Magnetism

Equipment: 

Clear Box, Large Rubber Band, 9 volt battery, Pencil Leads, and Aluminum Foil.

Procedure: See also 9C40.68/10A05.25 in Chemistry & Physics of Everyday Experience.

Stretch the aluminum foil over the clear box and secure in place using the large rubber band.  Connect the negative lead of the 9 volt battery to one corner of the aluminum foil and place a pencil lead in the clip of the positive lead.  Touch the pencil lead to the aluminum foil and it should vaporize the foil at that point.  Try to cut your name in the foil.

CAUTION: The pencil lead will get very hot when doing this demonstration.  DO NOT TOUCH.

References:

  • Dan MacIsaac, "Baby Plasma Cutter", TPT, Vol. 54, #4, Apr. 2016, p. 254.
  • Kevin Dupzyk, "Plasma Cutter", Popular Mechanics, Vol. 193, #4, June 2016, p. 22.