5A50.54 - Electrostatic Motor - Racing Ball

Hook the dome of the Van de Graaff to the top plate and the base of the Van de Graaff to the bottom dish.  Gently blow on the ball to start it rolling if it doesn't start by itself.  The rolling of the ball is what transfers the charge between the two plates.
Code Number:
5A50.54
Demo Title:
Electrostatic Motor - Racing Ball
Condition:
Good
Principle:
Electrostatics
Area of Study:
Electricity & Magnetism
Equipment:
Van de Graff generator, Electrostatic Motor - racing ball assembly.
Procedure:

Hook the dome of the Van de Graaff to the top plate and the base of the Van de Graaff to the bottom dish.  Gently blow on the ball to start it rolling if it doesn't start by itself.  The rolling of the ball is what transfers the charge between the two plates.

References:
  • Wozchiech Dindorf and Bronislaw Tokar, "A Demonstration Bearing and Simple Accelerator", TPT, Vol. 11, # 6, Sept. 1973, p. 360.


Disclaimer: These demonstrations are provided only for illustrative use by persons affiliated with The University of Iowa and only under the direction of a trained instructor or physicist.  The University of Iowa is not responsible for demonstrations performed by those using their own equipment or who choose to use this reference material for their own purpose.  The demonstrations included here are within the public domain and can be found in materials contained in libraries, bookstores, and through electronic sources.  Performing all or any portion of any of these demonstrations, with or without revisions not depicted here entails inherent risks.  These risks include, without limitation, bodily injury (and possibly death), including risks to health that may be temporary or permanent and that may exacerbate a pre-existing medical condition; and property loss or damage.  Anyone performing any part of these demonstrations, even with revisions, knowingly and voluntarily assumes all risks associated with them.