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Re: Electrostatics demo from AS&S

I did not find the item in a quick look through the latest catalog, but this
sounds like a simple neon bulb such as an NE2 - you can buy them in
quantities for as little as 15 cents each from suppliers such as Mouser
Electronics- hold one wire in the hand and bring the other near the charged
object- See The Physics Teacher- Neon Lamps and Static Electricity- Layman
& Rutledge- 10(1) Jan 1972 p 49.

You may also show the direction of charge transfer with the neon bulb- snap
together 8 or 9 9V batteries in series. Connect a 1000 ohm or more resistor
in series with the battery and bulb- This establishes that the bulb glows
at the negative electrode. Now you can look carefully at static flashes and
deterimine which is the more negative electrode.

Bob Morse, St. Albans School, Washington, DC

----------
From: Jennifer Groppe
Reply To: phys-l@lists.nau.edu: Forum for Physics Educators
Sent: Thursday, May 25, 2000 10:13 AM
To: PHYS-L@lists.nau.edu
Subject: Electrostatics Demo from AS & S

I also have a recommended purchase from American Science and Surplus. I

have purchased their "Human-Powered Light" (#89928 @ $3.25 each) for
static electricity demos. When the students hold one of the two leads
and approach the Van de Graaf generator, the lights will glow. Also, we

use them to convincingly illustrate the difference between a conductor
and an insulator. If the kids rub a balloon in their hair and use the
light to pick up the electrons from the balloon, it is clear that they
must pick them up in clumps---ie that you cannot "ground" an insulator,
that even the extra electrons are tightly bound. Then, they charge an
electroscope and make contact with one lead to the electroscope, and
they get a brighter, one-time flash of light. I do not know if you can
get a similar type of light anywhere else. The kids really enjoy the
demos.

Jennifer Groppe
Maret School
Washington, DC