5A50.10 Wimshurst Machine

PURPOSE: To generate high electrostatic potentials.

DESCRIPTION: Cranking the handle rotates the two plates in opposite directions, generating a large electrostatic potential. The Leyden jars can be charged to increase the intensity of the spark between the two balls on the arms mounted above the Leyden jars. This machine can also be used for other demonstrations requiring high potentials. This gizmo may go up as high as 500,000 volts.

Wimshurst's original publication, Proc. Phys. Soc. London Vol. 12, page 403, (1892).

W R Pidgeon 1897 Proc. Phys. Soc. London 16 253-257

James Wimshurst 1890 Proc. Phys. Soc. London 11 125-130

Hobart Mason, A text-book on Static Electricitiy, McGraw Publishing Co., 14-23, 120-135, New York, (1904). 
Markus Zahn, Richard L. Goslin, and Larry F. Wicks, Self-Excited, Alternating, High-Voltage Generation Using a Modified Electrostatic Influence Machine, AJP 42, 289-294 (1974). 
G. B. Putz, The Wimshurst Machine, Popular Electronics, December 1990, pp. 29-32. 
Instructions: Wimshurst Static Machine, Stansi Scientific. 
Catalog Description, 78780 Static Machine, Wimshurst, Cenco Scientific Co. 
Central Scientific Company catalog information sheet.

EQUIPMENT: Wimshurst machine.

SETUP TIME: None

Edited by JZ on 1/25/01