====== Electrostatic Windmill ====== {{tag> van_de_graaff electrostatics torque located}} {{windmill.jpg?400|}} // // ===== Description ===== Consists of a conductive metal 'wheel' or 'windmill' with radially protruding spikes ending in 90-degree turns and a stand with a needle on top that the wheel balances on. ===== Purpose ===== To show the "action of points", that charge can flow off pointed parts of a conductor maintained at a high potential. ===== Apparatus ===== * [[demonstrations:5_electricity_and_magnetism:5a_electrostatics:van_de_graaff_generator:start|Van de Graaff generator]] * Electrostatic windmill ===== Setup ===== Place windmill on top of the Van de Graaff generator. When the generator is turned on the windmill will begin to rotate. ===== Notes ===== The Van de Graaff generator vibrates significantly while running, so a piece of tape may be necessary to prevent the windmill from falling off of the generator. The electrostatic windmill needs a high voltage to start turning, so move the grounding 'wand' far away from the head of the generator. // Demo room information // | **Location** | F1 | | **Maker** | Unknown | | **Current State** | Working |