Re: pinhole Static Electricity

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From: pauld@exploratorium.edu
Date: Wed Oct 29 2003 - 17:44:00 PST 

Message-ID: <1359.209.239.173.234.1067478240.squirrel@www.exo.net>
Date: Wed, 29 Oct 2003 17:44:00 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: pinhole Static Electricity
From: pauld@exploratorium.edu

Hi Joe

The capacitance of the metal plate is proportional to its area. The amount
of charge stored on the plate is proportional to the capacitance.
Therefore bigger is better and area scales as the square of the radius of
the plate

This styrofoam plates get a negative charge when rubbed with wool. So do
vinyl records. But the records are thicker.
The negaitve charges induce an opposite positive charge in the table
underneath the record or styrofoam plate. Thus thicker styrofoam is
better. I use a minimum of 1" thick styrofoem meant for home insulation. I
don't use styrofoam plates except in emergencies. Try using 3 or more
plates stacked together and see if that helps.

Paul D

.> Hello,
>
> I have begun studying static electricity in one of my
> classes. I wished to have them create their own
> static carriers (as in the Snackbook) using pie tins
> and PVC. I had success with the larger pie tins, but
> not with smaller ones (those designed more for smaller
> pastries). Also, I had success using an LP record as
> the conductive surface, but not with styrofoam plates.
>
> What might be going on here? If any could let me
> know, I would appreciate it.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Joe
>
>
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