• ID Code: J3-07
  • Purpose: Demonstrate that for a charged conductor a smaller radius produces a higher electric field.
  • Description: The Van de Graaff discharges to the ground sphere at the left in the absence of the smaller elliptical conductor (from J3-06) at the right. When the grounded elliptical conductor is positioned near the Van de Graaff dome, the end with the smaller radius of curvature discharges the dome with less of a spark, indicating a smaller electric field. Discharge to the larger end is more similar to the ground sphere.
  • Availability: Available
  • References: http://www.physics.umd.edu/deptinfo/facilities/lecdem/services/refs/refsj.htm#J3-07
  • Loc codes: J3a, J3b