PURPOSE: To illustrate the geometry for displacement current and to perhaps demonstrate displacement current.

DESCRIPTION: This is the classic displacement current experiment described in general physics textbooks. Displacement current is sensed as oscillating magnetic field between the plates of the capacitor. The oscillator is set to about 15 kHz, and tuned to give the maximum displacement current. Evidence of the displacement current is the existence of an azimuthal magnetic field between the capacitor plates, seen by inserting the search coil radially into the capacitor. Holding the search coil in the capacitor parallel to the plates should produce considerably less pickup.

This device can be used to demonstrate in three dimensions the geometry of the displacement current experiment. There is some discussion whether the actual pickup is due to displacement current or simply some sort of general electromagnetic pickup.

SUGGESTIONS:

REFERENCES: (PIRA 5C20.60)

EQUIPMENT: Large parallel plate capacitor driven by oscillator, pickup coil attached to oscilloscope, scope/TV cart.

SETUP TIME: 10 min.

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