MadSci Network: Physics |
You will probably find it very difficult to generate and store a 2 Coulomb charge. Just to understand the rough dimension of your problem, let's see what it would take if you were to build a parallel plate capacitor. The fundamental equation is C = (Q/V) = K*e_0*(A/l) C - Capacitance in Farads, F Q - Charge in Coulombs, C V - Potential difference, in Volts V K - Dielectic constant, no units, Air ~ 1. e_0 - Constant from Coulombs Law - 8.85e-12 C^2/(N m^2) A - area of the plates, m^2 l - separation between the plates, m For Q = 2C, at V = 1V (low voltage assumption), A = 2.2599e+011m * l If the plates were 1mm apart, you would need 2.2599e+08 m^2 of surface area. You can use the equation above to assess your constraints: 1) If you want large separation distance, you need more plate area. 2) If you increase the voltage, you will reduce the plate area. 3) If you increase the dielectric constant, you will reduce the plate area. Finally, I'm not sure how you will get "unconnected" electric fields. Anytime you store a charge, there has to be an opposite charge created. You may find ways to distribute it, but it will exist, and will interact with any nearby object. If you have ever charged a rubber ballon you can make it attract hair or other light objects. The charge is interacting. An electroscope is a device to detect the existence of a nearby charge; the charge interacts with it in a visible manner. If you perform a web search on "electrostatic generator", you will find lots of information and projects on generating and storing charge. See Bill Beatty's page, http://amasci.com/emotor/statelec.html, with projects and links to other information. Maybe some of these will help. At least you can have fun trying. Chris Seaman Alcoa Technical Center
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