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High-voltage build

Ion Thruster

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

High voltageBuild

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How it works

What this project is testing.

An ion thruster pushes on air without a spinning blade. A strong electric field strips or moves charges, then those ions collide with neutral air molecules and drag the air along.

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The experiment demonstrates ionization, electric-field force, and momentum transfer, often called ionic wind.

F = q E

Ions accelerate because charged particles feel force in an electric field.

T \approx \overset{m}{˙} v_{e}

Thrust is tied to how much mass is pushed backward and how fast it leaves.

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.

Rigol Digital Oscilloscope DS1054Z 50 MHz 4-Ch 1 GSa/s 24 Mpts 30,000 wfms/s UltraVision 7" 800x480 Intensity Display, 60,000-Frame Record/Playback, Serial Decode UART I2C SPI for Debug & Education

oscilloscopetest equipment

Rigol DS1054Z Digital Oscilloscope, 50 MHz, 4 Channel, 1 GSa/s

$349.004.7(724)

Good bench choice; budget scope alternatives may be cheaper but less durable.

EDGELEC 120pcs Breadboard Jumper Wires 20cm Wire Length Optional Dupont Cable Assorted Kit Male to Female Multicolored Ribbon Cables

jumper wires / hookup wirewiring

120pcs Breadboard Jumper Wires, 20cm Dupont Cable Assorted Kit, Male to Female

$6.984.7(4,500)

BNTECHGO 30 AWG Magnet Wire - Enameled Copper Wire - Enameled Magnet Winding Wire - 4 oz - 0.0098" Diameter 1 Spool Coil Natu

magnet wirewiring

BNTECHGO 30 AWG Magnet Wire, Enameled Copper Winding Wire, 4 oz Spool

$12.984.6(387)

BOJACK 24Value 630pcs Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitor Assortment Box Kit Range 0.1uF－1000uF

capacitorpassive electronics

BOJACK 24-Value 630pcs Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitor Assortment Box Kit, 0.1uF-1000uF

$16.994.7(953)

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)

Panasonic Portable AM/FM Radio, Battery Operated Analog Radio, AC Powered, Silver (RF-2400D)

AM/FM radio receiverradio

Panasonic RF-2400D Portable AM/FM Radio, Battery Operated or AC Powered

$29.994.5(33K)

Reynolds Wrap Everyday Strength Aluminum Foil Roll, Freezer and Grill Safe, Great for Foil Packets and Home Cooking, 12 Inches Wide, 200 Total Sq. Ft.

aluminum foilfabrication

Reynolds Wrap Everyday Strength Aluminum Foil Roll, 12 Inches Wide, 200 Total Sq. Ft.

$13.494.8(29K)

Ackers High Borosilicate Glass Measuring Cup Set with Pour Spout,60ml(2OZ),120ml(4OZ), 250ml(8OZ) Glass Measuring Beaker for Kitchen or Restaurant, Easy to Read

glassfabrication

Ackers High Borosilicate Glass Measuring Beaker Set with Pour Spout

4.5(3,500)

Plywood Board 20PCS 12" x8" x 1/12 inch Basswood Sheets Thin Wood Sheets Perfect for Arts Crafts School Projects and DIY Projects,Baltic Birch Sheets Perfect for Wood Burning…

woodfabrication

Plywood Board 20PCS 12 x 8 x 1/12 inch Basswood Sheets for Arts, Crafts, School Projects, and DIY

$19.994.6(2,300)

Gorilla Mini Hot Glue Gun Kit (Pack of 1 Mini Hot Glue Gun and 30 Sticks) - Dual Temp, Precision Nozzle, and Easy Squeeze Trigger

hot glue gun / glue sticksfabrication

Gorilla Mini Hot Glue Gun Kit with Glue Sticks

$16.554.7(27K)

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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