====== Tesla Coil ======

{{tag> tesla electricity_and_magnetism electricity high_voltage transformer arc plasma located}}

<WRAP box right> {{:demonstrations:5_electricity_and_magnetism:5l_ac_circuits:tesla_coil:tesla_coil.jpg?400}}

</WRAP>

===== Description =====

High voltage generator of historical interest designed almost 100 years ago!

Useful Links: [[http://www.mos.org/sln/toe/tesla.html|The Museum of Science in Boston]] has a brief description on how these coils work. It is rumored that these coils were built by Tesla himself!

<WRAP danger>

**Danger:**

This demo has a ground fault. Anything metal and in contact with the probe or the base should be assumed to be at high voltage. Use a ruler to turn the machine on or off to avoid a nasty shock. Be conscious of what the demo is sitting on- some floors have conductive runners underneath them which may transmit a shock to your feet.

This demo uses high voltage. Proceed with caution.</WRAP>

===== Purpose =====

To demonstrate the operation of a Tesla coil and the appearance, sound, and effects of high voltage discharges.

===== Apparatus =====

  * Self-contained Tesla coil and probe
  * Wooden ruler
  * Fluorescent bulb (optional)
  * [[:demonstrations:5_electricity_and_magnetism:5b_electric_fields_and_potential:faraday_cage:start|]] (optional)

===== Setup =====

Use a wooden ruler to hit the switch and turn on the coil. Long sparks up to eight inches long can be produced from the probe. These sparks produce a loud noise and look particularly dramatic when the lecture room lights are turned off.

===== Notes =====

This demonstration works well with a variety of others to demonstrate the effects of high voltage. A fluorescent bulb (mounted on the end of an insulating handle) can be used; when brought close to the probe it'll light up. This demo may also be used with the [[:demonstrations:5_electricity_and_magnetism:5b_electric_fields_and_potential:faraday_cage:start|]].

<WRAP group> <WRAP half column>

</WRAP> <WRAP half column>

</WRAP> </WRAP>

<WRAP box> <WRAP centeralign> // Demo room information //  </WRAP> <WRAP tablewidth 100%>

|**Location** | in front of OPQ, some bulbs on meter sticks in Q4 |
|**Maker** |Unknown|
|**Current State** |Working|

</WRAP> </WRAP>

\\