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What is a Wimshurst machine used for?
This electrostatic device was invented between 1880-1883 by British inventor James Wimshurst. It was used for generating high voltages, the machines were frequently used to power X Ray tubes.
How does a Wimshurst machine work?
In a Wimshurst machine, the two insulated discs and their metal sectors rotate in opposite directions passing the crossed metal neutralizer bars and their brushes. An imbalance of charges is induced, amplified, and collected by two pairs of metal combs with points placed near the surfaces of each disc.
What is an influence machine?
The Influence Machine is a multimedia installation which is staged outdoors. The work is comprised of seven video projections, each with its own audio track. In addition, smoke machines are used to create a mass of smoke, onto which a video of a medium is projected.
How does wimshurst machine generate electric charge?
The Wimshurst Machine is a very efficient instrument that converts mechanical energy (counter-rotating segment discs) into static electricity and stores it. The voltage is induced by separation of negative and positive charges, which is achieved by electrostatic induction.
What is the buildup of electric charge on an object called?
static electricity
The buildup of electric charges is called static electricity. If an object is charged with static electricity it has a buildup of electric charges on its surface. If objects have a build up of like charges, they will repel.
What kind of machine is the Wimshurst machine?
The Wimshurst influence machine is an electrostatic generator, a machine for generating high voltages developed between 1880 and 1883 by British inventor James Wimshurst (1832–1903). It has a distinctive appearance with two large contra-rotating discs mounted in a vertical plane, two crossed bars with metallic brushes,…
How are charges induced in the Wimshurst machine?
The charge completes the cycle across the discs when a spark (yellow zigzag) discharges the Leyden jar (red and green triangles). As B rotates 90° clockwise (left to right), the charges that have been induced on it line up with the brushes next to disc A [X, X1].
How does positive feedback work in a Wimshurst machine?
The positive feedback increases the accumulating charges exponentially until the dielectric breakdown voltage of the air is reached and an electric spark jumps across the gap.