The Electromechanical Charge Shuttle: Electrostatics in Action
| Scientific Paper | |
|---|---|
| Title | The Electromechanical Charge Shuttle: Electrostatics in Action |
| Author(s) | Reg Hackshaw |
| Keywords | do-it-yourself, electromechanical charge shuttle, electrostatic toy, reciprocating motors |
| Published | 2004 |
| Journal | Electric Spacecraft Journal |
| Number | 37 |
| Pages | 25-26 |
Abstract
The theme of a charge carrying sphere oscillating between two capacitor plates maintained at a potential difference was incorporated into a variety of popular toys and instructional demonstrations in the 18th and 19th centuries. On the basis of how the charges are transported from the sphere to the plates, the apparatus presented in this article originally was termed a ?reciprocating motor,? and more recently an ?electromechanical charge shuttle.? A functional description and general instructions for assembling this interesting apparatus from inexpensive materials is followed by a brief sketch of a laboratory exercise.