Insulated elongated ellipsoid.

Insulated elongated ellipsoid.

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Description (Brief)
Conducting Elongated Ellipsoid, brass on glass rod with a wooden base. To show the difference in distribution of charge on pointed and blunt surfaces. The concentrated charge on the pointed end will attract a spark from a longer distance than will the diffuse charge on the blunt end. This relates to 18th century debates about the preference for pointed or blunt tips on lightning rods. Originally from Woodstock College. Ref: Ganot 4th ed. p. 620. Tag on bottom, "P. D. W. C./ El10".
Location
Currently not on view
Object Name
Conducting Elongated Ellipsoid
electrostatic elongated ellipsoid
electrostatic device
Other Terms
Conductor, Insulated ?; Conducting Elongated Ellipsoid; Electrostatic Devices
Measurements
overall: 16 1/2 in x 9 in x 6 1/2 in; 41.91 cm x 22.86 cm x 16.51 cm
ID Number
EM.328459
catalog number
328459
accession number
271661
Credit Line
from Weston College, Dept. of Physics thru Father Robert F. O'Brien
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Work and Industry: Electricity
Data Source
National Museum of American History
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