Be a Scientist: Build an Electrostatic Motor

Step 6 How it Works.

As you add charge to the unconnected end of the machine, it is transferred to the piece of foil nearest to you, giving it the same charge as the balloons. Like charges repel, so the foil is pushed away from the wire. This turns the rotor.

When the rotor turns, it brings the next piece of foil to collect charge, and also moves the first piece towards the earth connection to discharge. The whole process repeats for as long as you supply charge to the motor. The only real limiters to the speed are balance - wobbly rotors will turn more slowly - and friction. The top speed of your motor will be controlled by friction on the balance point (so make it small and slippery, but don't use grease, try graphite) and by air friction on the cup (so try not to have too many wrinkles or loose edges).

Comments

[azuro]

Neat work I must say.

[Kiteman]

Thank you.

[skatepark13]

thanks for the help very neat

[Kiteman]

You're welcome.

[octavian234]

Kiteman is awesome!

[Kiteman]

Thank you!

[impedance214]

what is the purpose of the other wire which is the earth connection??

[Kiteman]

To allow the charge that has built up on the rotor to be carried away (to earth!).

[kalikot]

it'll be better if you have the video to show that this actually spin :)

[Woo Doo Doo]

he did first page

[Kiteman]

When Kalikot posted this comment. I hadn't added a video (see my reply dated May 19)

[Kiteman]

I knew there was something I forgot! I couldn't get it to upload when I first posted the Instructable, and I didn't have a YouTube account. Now, I do.