Vernier Mirror Set for Optics Expansion Kit User Manual

High voltage electrostatics kit

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High Voltage
Electrostatics Kit

(Order Code HVEK-CRG)

The High Voltage Electrostatics Kits is an

accessory for the Vernier Charge Sensor. Use it

with a Faraday Pail, which is part of the Electrostatics Kit (order code ESK-CRG)

and the Charge Sensor (order code CRG-BTA) to investigate the charge on a sphere.

The kit includes an electrostatics voltage source and two conducting spheres. The

current output of the High Voltage Source is extremely low, making it safe for

electrostatic studies. Experiments include

 Investigate the distribution of charge on a sphere
 Transfer of charge on contact between two spheres
 Charging by Induction

What is Included with the High Voltage Electrostatics Kit?

 Electrostatic High Voltage Source

(output 750, 1500, 3000, 6000 VDC)

 Ground Wire
 Voltage Terminal
 Proof Plane
 Conducting Spheres (2)
 DC Power Supply









Voltage Terminal

Ground Wire

Using the Voltage Source

To use the High Voltage Source, ground the ground port of the High Voltage Source

by connecting the banana plug on the Ground Wire to the source and connect the

other end to a ground of your experiment such as the Ground Plane that is a part of

the Electrostatics Kit. Plug the Voltage Terminal into the desired port on the High

Voltage Source, such as the one marked 3000 V.

2

Connect the DC power supply to the High Voltage Source, and plug the power

supply into an outlet. Turn on the High Voltage Source.
To transfer a charge to an object, touch the paddle end of the Voltage Terminal to the

object. The High Voltage Source is only capable of delivering very small currents,

and is therefore safe for classroom use.

NOTE: Vernier products are designed for educational use. Our products are not

designed nor are they recommended for any industrial, medical, or commercial

process such as life support, patient diagnosis, control of a manufacturing process, or

industrial testing of any kind.

Performing Experiments with this kit, a Faraday Pail and the
Vernier Charge Sensor

To use this kit, you need to be able to measure the charge on the Conducting

Spheres. The best way to accomplish this is by using a Vernier Charge Sensor and a

Faraday Pail. When the Charge Sensor is attached to the Pail, the Pail can be used to

qualitatively and quantitatively measure charge on objects. Follow these instructions

to set up the Faraday Pail and Charge Sensor.

1. Place the plastic disk that holds the

Faraday Pail and cage on the Ground
Plane.

2. Place the Faraday Pail and the Cage on

the disk.

3. Connect the black lead from the Charge

Sensor to the Ground Plane.

4. Connect the red lead from the Charge

Sensor to the Faraday Pail.

5. Connect the Charge Sensor to an

interface, such as LabQuest

®

2, original

LabQuest, LabPro

®

, etc.

6. Connect a Grounding Wire between the

Cage and the Ground Plane.

7. Attach the grounding strap to your wrist.
8. Ground out the system and zero the sensor by pressing and holding the Reset

button on the sensor. You are now ready to collect data.

9. Now insert an object into the center of the Faraday Pail. While the object is in the

Pail, the Charge Sensor will display the charge.

Quantitative measurement of electrostatic charge can be challenging. Many factors

enter into the buildup of electrostatic charge and your ability to measure the charge.

The Charge Sensor is a very sensitive device and it can detect charge on objects

where you may not expect to see it, such as your body. Your success is also a

function of atmospheric humidity. Electrostatic studies are difficult in humid

environments because objects discharge quickly through multiple paths.
The Charge Sensor contains a range switch. You need to select a range that is

appropriate for the experiment and environmental conditions. For example if you are

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