5C30.30 Capacitor Discharged through Light

PURPOSE: To demonstrate the storage of energy in a capacitor.

DESCRIPTION: Two variations. The first: A bank of electrolytic capacitors is charged to 115 volts. The capacitors are then used to light a small household light bulb, which gradually declines in brightness as the capacitors discharge through it. The second variation: a 40uF oil capacitor may be peacefully discharged through a fluorescent light tube (and appropriate resistor!), keeping it lit for over a minute.

SETUP TIME: Medium

COMPONENT LIST:

    


  1.  Bank of electrolytic Capacitors			Capacitor Area


  2.  Light Bulb						Bulb Cabinet


    


  3.   40uF oil capacitor					Capacitor Area


  4.   Fluorescent bulb 					Glass Area (back of EM shelves)


  5.   Resistor						Resistor drawer

SUGGESTIONS: WARNING: This is a very striking, but DANGEROUS and POTENTIALLY FATAL demonstration. It should ONLY be done by instructors who are experienced in high-voltage demonstrations.

REFERENCES: 2122 3.14, 3.16; PIRA 5C30.30

OTHER NOTES: