+ - reset
English (UK)Italian (IT)

Electrification by friction

 
 

Alternative flash content

Requirements

 


 
 
 

Here is the phenomenon that until 1799, year of the invention of Volta's battery, allowed the execution of all electrical experiments. Once upon a time where neither light bulbs, nor electric currents, nor batteries, had already been invented, electrical events had to be “generated” to be observed. Electrical machines had exactly this purpose. During the 7th century electrical experiments were often executed to entertain the audience and instead of pieces of paper, strands of hair were used. They belonged to ladies and, once electrified, they would be lifted. The repertoire of electrifying/thrilling experiments was very wide. During the “electric soiree“ electrical machines were used to produce big sparks which burned alcoholic substances put in special cups, or were used to light up glass tubes where a series of aluminum drops drew long spirals: in darkened rooms these spirals were traversed by a shower of small sparks with guaranteed stage effects. Several theories attempting to give an account of the electrical effects. From the second half of the eighteenth century the accepted theory was that of the "one fluid" by Benjamin Franklin. According to the theory of Franklin each body contains a certain "natural" amount of electric fluid which, thus being in a state of equilibrium, does not show any effect. However, when this state of equilibrium is altered, that is, when in a body occurs an excess or a deficiency of the natural amount of electric fluid, the body becomes electrically charged, respectively, the positive or negative sign. Since the tendency of the electric fluid is at equilibrium, a negatively charged body, placed in the vicinity of a positively charged body, will be attracted to this. The stroke of the electric spark, according to Franklin, comes from the passage of the electric fluid from one body to another and also marks the neutralization of electrical disequilibrium.

 

 

 

 
   

 

 

 

© 2013 - Fondazione Guglielmo Marconi - Villa Griffone - via Celestini 1 - 40037 Pontecchio Marconi (BO) - C.F 80063250379

We use cookies to make sure you can have the best experience on our website. Continuing in the navigation, you agree to our cookies policy.