RMCybernetics - Experiments - Franklin's Bells

Franklins Bells

In 1752 Benjamin Franklin was experimenting with one of his inventions, the lightning rod. Using the setup shown on the left Franklin was able collect electrostatic charges from the wind above his house. No known images exist of the original setup used, but this is the most common method used to reproduce the effects he describes.

This electrostatic device was actually invented in 1742 by a German professor named Andrew Gordon. Gordon's Bells were the first device that converted electrical energy into mechanical energy in the form of a repeating mechanical motion.

Two metal bells are suspended on insulating (dielectric) supports. One bell is electrically connected to the earth and the other is connected to a lightning rod. A metallic ball is suspended between the bells by a dielectric thread. The lightning rod would allow charge to build up on the bell which would then attract the metallic ball. When the ball hits the first bell it will become charged to the same potential and therefore will be repelled again. Since the opposite bell is charged oppositely this will also attract the ball towards it. When the ball touches the second bell the charge is transferred and the process repeats.

Franklin himself wrote that sometimes the bells would ring when there was only a dark cloud above and no obvious thunder and lightning. A nearby lightning flash could cause the bells so stop ringing immediately. At other times the bells would be silent until a nearby flash of lightning started them ringing.

This setup was used by Franklin to collect electric charge for use in other experiments. The amount of charge collected was sometimes so faint that after a spark between the bells it would take considerable time to charge up again. At other times a continuous stream of sparks could be obtained even at lengths of around 20cm.

These sparks could very dangerous and a direct strike to the lightning rod could cause explosions and fire. A safer version of this experiment is easy to setup by using a simulated lightning rod in the form of a high voltage DC power supply such as a Van De Graff generator or Voltage Multiplier.

If you don't have some bells available then they can be replaced by any metal object such as a drinks can. This experiment works best if all the conductors are smooth, but a foil coated plastic ball will be ok if another type of lightweight metal ball is not available.

Questions and Comments on the Franklin Bells Lightning Detector Experiments

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The information provided here can not be guaranteed as accurate or correct. Always check with an alternate source before following any suggestions made here.

brenda

Friday, 2nd March 2007 1:57am - No.826

the information is great but it would be nice if you could show diagrams

RMCybernetics

Friday, 23rd March 2007 3:57pm - No.964

Here's a diagram of a simple version you can make at home.

Two drinks cans are placed on a plastic tray. One has a wire connected to earth (a radiator or metal tap is fine). The other can has a wire connected to a high voltage, low current source such as a van de graff generator or a piece of foil taped over a TV screen.

A lightweight metal object such as the ringpull from the can is suspended between the cans on a length of cotton. You may need to give it a little push to get it started. If it wont keep moving, then try moving the cans closer together.

Amber

Wednesday, 9th May 2007 9:07pm - No.1239

Do you need anything in the cans to keep them from moving?

RMCybernetics

Wednesday, 9th May 2007 9:12pm - No.1240

Some weight may help, or you can just use unopened cans.

alejandro

Wednesday, 10th October 2007 6:58pm - No.1910

it is a really good experiment, can you get the same reaction replacing the source(tv) for somethingelse??

RMCybernetics

Wednesday, 10th October 2007 8:02pm - No.1912

Yes any high voltage DC source will work.