How to Make Leyden Jars
Leyden jars are devices that can hold built-up static electricity inside of them. The physicist, Pieter van Musschenbroek, invented the jar in 18th century Germany in Leiden, Neth, giving the jars their name. Scientists became fascinated with the jars, demonstrating their ability to store electricity all over Europe. "Electricians" discharged the jars with metal rods, causing showers of sparks. The popularity of the jars eventually transformed into genuine studies of electricity.
Leyden jars are very simple to make; in fact, you may have most of the necessary items in your home. However, they can be very dangerous. Do not allow children or pets to get close to the jar, and do not use a jar over about 10 ounces. A larger jar could produce a charge large enough to kill an adult.
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Things You'll Need
- Copper rod
- 10-ounce glass jar with plastic lid
- Hand drill
- Aluminum foil
- Electrical tape
- Copper chain
- Water
- Wire snips
- Wire strippers
- Plastic-covered copper wire
Instructions
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Wash and dry the glass jar thoroughly, making sure the jar is completely dry before proceeding. Line the inside of the jar with foil about halfway up. Wrap more foil around the outside of the jar, also about halfway up. Secure the foil to the outside of the jar with electrical tape. The foil inside the jar can remain free-floating.
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2
Drill a hole in the center of the plastic lid the same size as your copper rod. Slide the rod into the lid so that the lid is in the center of the rod. Wrap electrical tape around the rod on the underside of the lid so the lid will not slide. A rod about ¼ of an inch to ½ an inch in diameter will work fine. Anything larger may cause too large a spark.
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3
Snip a 4- to 6-inch length of copper chain and tape the first two links to the bottom of the copper rod with electrical tape. Lay the links against the side of the rod and tape them in place. Pour about an inch and a half of water into the jar and screw the lid on with the chain inside the jar. Make sure the chain touches the bottom.
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4
Cut about 10 inches of copper wire and strip 2 inches of plastic from each end. Wrap one bare end around the top of the copper rod and allow the other bare end to hang free. It will produce sparks if you touch it with a metal object after rubbing the copper rod with felt.
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Tips & Warnings
Wrap the free wire around the metal plug tines of an old lamp. The lamp should light when you rub the copper rod with felt long enough.
Use rubber-handled tongs to rub felt against the copper rod to avoid electrocution.
