FSP's High Voltage Experiment
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FSP's High Voltage Experiment
A jacob's ladder is commonly called a "climbing arc." A spark forms at the base of two diverging poles. This spark rises and grows longer until it breaks apart at the 
top of the poles and starts again at the base. Actually this "spark" can be better described as plasma. [The picture to the far left is a picture of the jacob's ladder with a long exposure. The picture below is with a short exposure.]
Plasma is ionized air. Normally air is an insulater; but with enough voltage, the electrons that are part of the air molecules break away from their atoms. Now the air has positive and negative ions, and free moving electrons…just like metal! These hot ions make up the plasma, which heats up the air. The heat from the plasma is one reason it rises up the poles. Because the plasma conducts electricity, the "spark" can now become much larger as more and more plasma is formed. The jabob's ladder is a beautiful demonstration of the awesome power inherent to electricity.
The jacob's ladder uses a 10,000 volt step-up transformer to create it's huge spark. This same transformer can also be used to create a plasma globe. One wire coming from the transformer is connected to a lightbulb so that the electricity will flow into it. The other wire is taped to the top of the bulb, with it's wire strands spread apart. The electric charge between the inside of the light bulb and it's outer surface will create an incredible discharge of plasma inside the light. The display is created when the excited atoms that left the air molecules return to the ions. 
The electrons lose some energy when they re-attach to the ions. They emit this energy as light. The color of the light emitted depends on the type of gas that is being ionized.
A third experiment can be done with our high voltage electric kit. We like to call it the "plasma finger."
A dowel pivots on a nail with a wire sicking out its end. This movable wire get's close enough to a small metal rod to create a spark. Then it can be moved further away, creating a stream of plamsa. You can control this plasma stream by moving the dowel. It is a safe and fun way to play with 10,000 volts!
Normally to purchase a new high-voltage transformer would cost in excess of $80. But FSP is offering their 10,000 volt transfomer at an introductory price- only $68! (S&H included!) The transformer comes with detailed plans and diagrams of how to build the complete high-voltage kit as pictured.
An experiement kit is also available that has everything you need to make the jacob's ladder, plasma globe, and plasma finger. It costs $44 (shipping included) and contains:
By clicking on the "Buy Now"
buttons below you will be sent to our convienent and secure payment site.
Standard shipping is about 10 days! Email matt@fsplimited.com to request an invoice for overnight or priority shipping.
Purchase the High Voltage Experiment Kit. $44.00 Shipping included!
Includes:
| Plywood nailers | Screws | Nail | 8' Wire | 4' Electrical Cord |
| 2 Alligator clips + ground plug wires | Dowel | 2 Rods | Plug | Plastic clamps |
| Electrical Tape | Light mount | Block for Mounting the Jacob's Ladder Rods | Construction Diagrams | Detailed Plans |
Purchase the High-Voltage Bundle and SAVE! Combines both purchases listed above. $107
Please email any questions to: matt@fsplimited.com
