Description
The ‘Jacobs Ladder’ demonstrates how lightning forms!
Pressing the green button charges the rods. When the voltage difference between the two rods is large enough, you’ll see a spark starting at the bottom of the two rods and then rising. The spark gets larger as the distance between the rods increases. This illustrates how lightning can form in the atmosphere.
The exhibit shows how air under certain conditions can conduct electricity. Normally, air is an insulator, but at high electrical voltages, the insulation can break down and form a conducting path. This is seen as a lightning-like beam or spark that moves along a path of least resistance. By researching better prediction and diversion of lightning, the safety of buildings and aircraft during thunderstorms can be improved.
How does a lightning bolt form?
- Check if the green button is lit.
- Lit? Then press the green button.
- The rods charge up.
- What do you see?
