Electrophorus - Simple, Each

Details

The Electrophorus is a simple yet clever apparatus for demonstrating the process of induction. By rubbing the nonconductive, insulating Bakelite plate with fur or wool, an excess negative electric charge is created. When the metal ground plate comes into contact with the insulating plate, positive and negative charges are separated within it. Grounding the top of the dielectric plate leaves it with a net positive charge, which can be measured or used to generate sparks. The sizes of the components are as follows: the insulating plate is 6 inches in diameter, while the metal ground plate is 3.5 inches in diameter and features a 5-inch-long attached handle.