The electrophore machine works as a continuous source of electrical energy. This device is often used as an auxiliary device for demonstrating various electrical phenomena and effects. But what is its design and features?
A bit of the history of invention
The electrophore machine was developed back in 1865 by August Tepler, a German physicist. Curiously, quite independently, another experimental scientist, Wilhelm Goltz, invented a similar design, but even more perfect, since his apparatus made it possible to obtain large potential differences and could serve as a source of direct current. In addition, the Goltsev machine was much simpler in design. At the end of the nineteenth century, the English experimenter in the field of electricity and mechanics, James Wimshurst, improved the unit. And to this day, it is his version (albeit a little more modern) that is used to demonstrate electrodynamic experiments due to the ability to create a huge differencepotentials between collectors. The electrophore machine was improved already in the forties of the twentieth century by a scientist named Ioffe, who developed a new type of electrostatic generators to power the X-ray machine. Although the Wimshurst machine is not currently used for the direct task of generating electrical energy, it is a historical exhibit that illustrates the history of the development of engineering and scientific and technological progress.
Design of electrophore machine
This apparatus consists of two disks that rotate towards each other. The work of the electrophore machine lies precisely in the implementation of such a double mutual rotation. On the disks there are conductive segments isolated from each other. With the help of the facings of the sides of both disks, capacitors are formed. That is why the electrophore machine is sometimes called a capacitor machine. There are neutralizers on the disks, which divert charges from the opposite elements of the disks to the ground with the help of brushes. Collectors are on the left and right. It is on them that the generated signals taken by the combs from the rear and front discs arrive.
What are the banks of Leiden?
In many cases, charges accumulate on capacitors. They are called Leiden banks. After that, it is possible to reproduce much stronger discharges and sparks. The inner plates of each capacitor are connected to the conductors separately. Brushes that touchsectors of the discs are combined with the inner lining of the Leiden jars. The entire structure is currently mounted on plastic racks. Together with the Leyden jars, parts of the machine are fixed on a wooden stand. Given the clarity of the design, an electrophore machine with your own hands can be made quite simply. Even a person who does not have a special technical education can assemble it and operate it for his own pleasure.
What is the basis of the electrophore machine?
Using the mutual effort of both disks - this is the main principle in this device. The effect of a potential difference, and then discharges and sparks, is achieved by the correct arrangement of the sectors. Of course, there are developments that use blank discs, but they do not give a similar efficiency. Such designs are often used in small educational institutions. The distance between the disks of such a device as an electrophore machine plays a crucial role and has a significant impact on achieving the required voltage on the capacitors.
What is the principle of the machine?
The electrophore machine has undergone many changes since its invention (and this is the beginning of the eighteenth century). But the main idea remains. The basis of the design of the machine are discs with glued plates (metal strips). By applying a certain mechanical force using a belt drive, they can be rotated in different directions, opposite to each other. On the cover of onethe disk becomes positively charged. It will attract another charge (negative) to itself. The positive will go through the conductor with brushes (neutralizer), which touches the opposite lining. Turning the disks, we obtain charges similar to the original ones. But they will already affect other linings. Given that the disks rotate in opposite directions, the charges flow to the collectors. In such a demonstration apparatus as an electrophore machine, the principle of operation is based precisely on this moment. On the brushes of both disks, which do not touch their surface and are located at the edges, the charges at some point become so huge that a breakdown occurs in the air space and an electric spark slips. That is why additional capacitors of different capacities can be attached to the collectors, which will give a greater beauty to the effect of the discharge.
