Kelvins Thunderstorm
This is a device is a simple method for generating a high voltage charge or static electricity. It works by dripping water through an arrangement of metal containers and loops of wire.
Water, like many molecules is in the form of a dipole. This means that it has a difference in electric charge from one end to the other. The chemical formula for water is H2O, meaning there are two Hydrogen atoms and one Oxygen atom in each molecule.
You can see from the image on the right the way that the H2+ is more on one side therefore making an uneven distribution of charge i.e. a dipole. This is what gives water all its interesting properties such as its powerful solvent abilities and its ability to stick to other materials.
This experiment works best with pure or deionised water as it is a very good electrical insulator. Tap water contains dissolved ions which become mobile allowing the water to conduct electricity.
The top containers can be made from plastic but it may work better if they are made from metal and connected to ground.
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If the charged cans were larger it would mean that they could hold more charge, but they would also have more surface and edges that were discharging energy by corona discharge.
As the charge builds up on the induction rings, the water gets deflected so much that it could pass through the ring and then change direction and hit the side of it. At this point the device would get a little pear shaped :)
Here's a demonstration of the kelvin's thunderstorm experiment by prof Walter Lewin. This is an introduction to physics course at MIT.
The bottom two containers act like the opposing plates of a capacitor which allows a voltage difference to build up between them. The shape and size of them limits how much energy can be stored so a leyden jar is often used to increase this.
is there a way to deionize water at home?