*** Background ***
Here a brain stumper. Florists and nurseries are now selling this little
device called a mist maker. It have virtually no instructions. It looks like
a small cylinder about 4 cm high with a diameter of 3 cm. It has, what looks
like a small round, 1 cm diameter, metal diaphragm on the top. It plugs into
the wall and runs with no audible sound. The instructions say to place it
between 5 and 6 cm below the surface of the water. It does not run when the
water depth is about 1.5 cm above its top or is an inverted glass of air is
lowered over the unit in under water.
When it runs, it creates a water peak at the water's surface directly above
the diaphragm about 0.6 cm high and 0.4cm wide. It appears that a mist
emanates from the top of this water peak. It makes a lot of mist very
quickly.
As an aside. It does not shock you when you put your finger in the water.
However if you place your finger directly over the diaphragm, you will
receive a searing pain like a long needle being inserted in your finger.
_______________________________________________________________
*** THE QUESTIONS ***
How does it work? Why does it work?
I know it has something to do with ultrasonics. But what it doing to the
water molecules.
Any ideas, scientifically, on why they can claim it to be a "negative ion"
generator. Wouldn't the water vapor it creates neutralize any charged
particles it may generate. How much physics and chemistry can you get out of
understanding this little device?
Below are two links to a web site selling the product. This way you can see
what it is. I do not endorse these businesses for purchasing this product.
In fact, I found the "Mist Maker" locally for 20% less than their selling
price.