PIRA Code(s): 5A20.20
Set up time:1 minute
Operation: Charge the rod by rubbing it the through the cloth provide or on your shirt. Hold the rod near a pith ball. The two balls will repel each other. The PVC gives a positive charge and the acrylic rod gives negative charge.
Physics and Science Concepts: Electrostatics, Coulomb’s Law
Safety: None

PIRA Code(s): 5C30.40
Set up time:5 minutes
Operation: Jars can be charged with either the Wimshurst generator (5A50.10) or Van de Graaf generator (5A50.30). Charge Leyden jars in parallel and discharge, charge in parallel again and connect in series before discharging. The intensity of the sparks as well as their duration is much greater for the series connection.
Physics and Science Concepts: Electricity and Magnetism, Capacitance
Safety: Do not touch the charged capacitor. Make sure the jar is discharged before storing or touching.