Principle Illustrated: Electrostatic Lines of Force
fair warning:
This demo requires practice to show any effect. The suspension tank must be thoroughly shaken immediately before application of a potential. Sometimes the piezo-gun doesn't work; a van de-graaf or high voltage DC supply can be used in its place. If you are unwilling or unable to practice this demo a day prior to the lecture you wish to use it, then please do not request this demo.
A viscous fluid has suspended plastic filaments.
A piezo-element 'gun' is used to charge plates with various geometries.
The filaments align themselves with the external electrostatic field of
the geometries.
For use on an overhead projector.
This demo can be found in cabinet E on shelf 3
of the UCSD PUL Demo Room (WLH 2015).