MIT Physics Demo -- The Wimshurst Machine

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Wimshurst Electrostatic Generator: this device uses two counter rotating disks of metal pads to separate charge via induction. The repulsion felt by electrons as the triangle plates pass by each other pushes charge to flow across two conducting rods, one on each side, which allows the charge to stack up. This excess charge is then stored in old fashioned cylindrical capacitors (Leyden Jars) until the resulting 30,000 Volts is achieved to jump the air gap. This device goes back to 1883- invented

1880's High Voltage 'Wimshurst' Machine - Restoration