PURPOSE: To demonstrate a tesla coil, including how magnetic induction and a resonant RLC circuit is used in the production of high-voltage high-frequency sparks.
DESCRIPTION: Our Tesla coil, circuit below, uses a 5000 volt transformer to charge a large oil capacitor. When the potential across the capacitor reaches the breakdown potential of the spark gap, breakdown across the gap occurs. The spark gap then becomes a conducting part of the RLC circuit, which resonates at a frequency of about 200 kilohertz. The large coil in the resonant circuit is the primary of the final transformer and the very fine coil is the secondary, producing about 200,000 volts at 200 kilohertz.
In the photograph the wires known as JACOB'S LADDER have been attached to the output terminals of the Tesla coil. A fluorescent light held by one end with the other end near the secondary coil will light by induction.
Show the phony slide (from our file) of Tesla sitting calmly under the world's biggest Tesla coil as huge sparks fly around him.
SUGGESTIONS: DANGER: THE LOW VOLTAGE SECTIONS OF THIS DEVICE HAVE LETHAL CURRENTS.
REFERENCES: (PIRA 5N20.40)
EQUIPMENT: Tesla coil.
SETUP TIME: None.
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