Introduction: Create a Capacitor

About: I love making and breaking electronics.

today i am going to show you how to make a capacitor.it is super simple and works great!not like real capacitors but it works well for a handmade one.it is great science projects and classes and anyone can build it. it is the new version of the leyden jar.this handmade capacitor can store good amount of energy.but less than real one.once you built it you can experiment with its science and size.

visit my profile:https://www.instructables.com/member/argha+halder/ to see some of my more such projects.if you have any question feel free to ask.i will try to ask them according to my ability.

Step 1: Things You Will Need

for this project you will need some simple things.they are:
1)an empty plastic or glass container with cap.
2)alluminium foil
3)paper clip
4)glue 
5)water
6)salt


Step 2: Making the Capacitor

first take the cap of the container and make a tiny hole in its centre

Step 3:

now  take the alluminium foil and cut it according to the size of the container.now glue the alluminium foil to the container.cut the extra  portion of aluminium foil that remains hanging off the container.

Step 4:

now take some water ,if you can boil them and pour them into the container wrapped in alluminium.boiling is optional.now put some salt in the water.
make sure the alluminium foil does not touch the water.

Step 5:

take the paper clip and straighten two of its bends.

Step 6:

now put the cap of the container back onto the container and insert the straighten part of the paper clip through the hole of the cap.use glue to parmanently seal the hole and paper clip.and your capacitor is ready

Step 7: Charging It!

lets charge it.firstly take the battery and touch one of its end on the alluminium and the other on the paper clip.

now with a voltmetre test it!you will see it works

Step 8: How Does It Work

a capacitor has two metal parts with a insulation in between them.the two metals are two terminals.when a battery is attached to the capacitor  then electrons flow to the metal parts and and when a flashlight or such thing is attached to it then it releases the electrons causing electric flow.in our capacitor the same thing is used.the container is the insulator the paper clips and aluminium foil are the terminals.in this way like the real capacitor our capacitor works.but it may not be as efficient as real one.

Step 9: What Makes It Stronger

to make it stronger use bigger container and more aluminium foil and instead of paper clip use steel bolts and nails etc.or use your own science and make it stronger.

Step 10: Troubleshooting

make sure that the alluminium and paper clip does not touch each other.that thing you are using to charge it is in good condition.


i dont know english much as it is not my mother tongue language.and so if any mistake help me find it.give some more ideas.feel free to ask questions.i will try to answer them as much as possible for me.bye!have a nice day

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