DIY Micro-Scale Wimshurst Triboelectric Electroscope
A challenging, hands-on discovery and STEM project designed for curious young minds aged 10 to 14.
Materials Needed
- • Clear glass jar with plastic lid (1 unit)
- • Heavy bare copper wire (12–14 gauge, 15 cm long) (1 unit)
- • Thin aluminum foil (1 sheet)
- • Plastic comb or PVC pipe segment (1 unit)
- • 100% wool cloth scrap (1 cloth)
- • Hot glue gun (1 unit)
Pro Tips
- → Hammer the aluminum foil leaves extremely thin, or use genuine gold/aluminum leaf; the lighter the leaves, the greater their divergence.
- → Shape the top of the copper wire into a smooth ball or horizontal coil to reduce charge loss through sharp points.
- → Bring a charged comb near the top terminal without touching it to demonstrate electrostatic induction; touch it to demonstrate direct conduction.
Safety First
Work in dry indoor conditions; high humidity causes static charges to leak into the air.
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1
Drill a small hole through the plastic lid of a clean glass jar and insert a 15 cm length of heavy bare copper wire, sealing with hot glue.
Step 2
Bend the bottom end of the copper wire into a small horizontal hook inside the jar.
Step 3
Cut two identical tear-drop leaves (2 cm long) from thin aluminum foil, punch small holes in their tips, and hang them side-by-side on the hook.
Step 4
Screw the lid onto the jar, rub a plastic comb with wool, and bring it close to the top terminal to watch the foil leaves spread apart.