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Optics

How to make Lightning Chimes ( Franklin Bells )

Start with the video, then use the science notes and recommended parts below to follow the idea behind the build.

OpticsBuild

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How it works

What this project is testing.

Franklin bells turn static electricity into motion. A small hanging conductor is pulled toward one charged bell, picks up charge, then gets pushed away toward the other side.

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The experiment demonstrates electrostatic attraction and repulsion. The ringing is the sound of charge moving mechanically back and forth between two high-voltage regions.

F = k \frac{∣ q _{1} q _{2} ∣}{r ^{2}}

Charged objects pull or push on each other more strongly when they are closer together.

Recommended parts

Products used in this project.

Affiliate links may earn Keystone Science a commission. Match ratings, values, sizes, polarity, and safety requirements to your own build before buying.

DEVMO DC 3V-6V to 400kV 400000V Boost Step-up Power Module High-Voltage Generator

high-voltage power supplypower

DEVMO DC 3V-6V to 400kV Boost Step-up High-Voltage Generator Module

$10.994.4(508)

Prefer low-current educational modules over mains-powered high-voltage supplies. Review requirements and safety guidance before buying.

BOJACK 20 Values 200 Pcs Inductor 10 uH to 10 mH 1 W Color Ring Inductor 1 Watt Assortment Kit

inductor / coilpassive electronics

20 Values 200 Pcs Inductor Assortment Kit, 1uH to 4.7mH, 0.5W Color Ring Inductors

$13.994.8(182)

EUDAX 6 Set DC Motors Kit, Mini Electric Hobby Motor 3V -12V 25000 RPM Strong Magnetic with Shaft Propeller, 2 x AA Battery Holder,9V Battery Clip Connector,Plastic Wheels for DIY Science Projects

electric motorelectromechanical

EUDAX 6 Set Mini DC Motors Kit, 3V-12V, with Propellers, Wheels, Battery Holders, and Connectors

$11.994.5(1,500)

WOWOONE Laser Diode 30Pcs 5V 650nm 5mW Mini Red Dot Laser Head, 6mm Outer Diameter Laser Module with Leads, for Arduino Laser DIY Electronics Projects, High-Stability Red Laser Diode

laser / laser pointeroptics

30pcs 5V 650nm 5mW Mini Red Dot Laser Diode Modules with Leads

$12.994.6(152)

Laser safety matters. Keep recommendations to low-power modules and add eye-safety warnings. Review requirements and safety guidance before buying.

RUEHALF Front Surface Mirrors, 100 * 100 * 3mm First 1st Surface Mirror,Surface Mirror Optics Quality for Engineering and Scientific Project

mirroroptics

Front Surface Mirror, 100 x 100 x 3mm, First Surface Optics Quality Mirror

$19.04

For interferometer/optics use, prefer first-surface mirrors over bathroom/craft mirrors. Amazon review evidence is sparse. Review requirements and safety guidance before buying.

Optical Glass Cube Dichroic Beam Splitter Prism Ratio 50:50 Spectrome Sicence 15X15X15MM

beam splitteroptics

Optical Glass Cube Dichroic Beam Splitter Prism, 50:50, 15x15x15mm

$13.994.8(17)

Specialty optics have fewer Amazon reviews; verify size and wavelength before publishing. Review requirements and safety guidance before buying.

$Physics Optical Experiment Set Multifunction Reflector Refraction Triangular Prism Convex Lens Concave Mirror Dial Linear Light Source Teaching Demonstration Equipment for Teacher Student Education$

lensoptics

Physics Optical Experiment Set with Prism, Convex Lens, Concave Mirror, and Linear Light Source

$18.994.3(198)

Specialty optics may need size and focal-length review before publishing.

5PCS 3.3V-5V Photodiode Module LM393 Light Sensor Switch Module for Arduino Raspberry Pi Photosensitive Diode Detection Switch

photodetector / photodiodesensor

5PCS 3.3V-5V Photodiode Module LM393 Light Sensor Switch Module

$7.995.0(4)

Good functional match for a photodiode module, but it has sparse Amazon review evidence. Review requirements and safety guidance before buying.

FineDine Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls Set, Dishwasher Safe, 6 Piece Metal Mixing Bowls For Kitchen, Nesting, Large, Small, Big Food Prep, Cooking, Baking

metal bowlselectrical

FineDine Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls Set, Dishwasher Safe, 6 Piece Metal Mixing Bowls For Kitchen, Nesting, Large, Small, Big Food Prep, Cooking, Baking

$29.994.7(43K)

Regency Wraps Butchers Cooking Twine, Heavy Duty, 500ft,16 Ply, 2.4mm, Food-Safe Cotton Kitchen String for Turkey Trussing, Meat Prep, Crafting, Natural, Pack of 1

stringfabrication

Regency Wraps Butchers Cooking Twine, Heavy Duty, 500ft,16 Ply, 2.4mm, Food-Safe Cotton Kitchen String for Turkey Trussing, Meat Prep, Crafting, Natural, Pack of 1

$7.494.8(39K)

Project files

Prints, kits, and downloads.

Diagrams, printable files, kits, or companion downloads will appear here when they are ready to use.

Coming soon

Contact

Events, speaking, collaborations, and news.

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