How can the Wimshurst machine generate a very HIGH voltage?

[Twukwuw]

It is so surprising that athe Wimshurst machine can generate up tp 1,000,000 voltage with the size of 50 cm!

As I know, in order to generate such a high voltage on its 2 terminals, there must be a very large quantity of charges being "collected and stored" in the Leyden Jars.

Am I right?

If this is true, where are the charges from?
The aluminium foils?
or the "neutralizing brushes?"

Thanks!

Twukwuw.

 

[Farsight]

Voltage is akin to water pressure. Current is akin to water flow. But instead of water we're talking about "charge". And charge is actually quite a slippery thing to get a grasp of. In one respect all matter is made out of it, so there's plenty of it sitting unnoticed in the mica of the Wimshurst machine. I can't give you a detailed answer about the latter, sorry, but here's a link:

http://www.coe.ufrj.br/~acmq/wimshurst.html

and you may find this "What is Charge" link useful:

http://www.amasci.com/elect/charge1.html

 

[astrokreng]

The Wimshurst machine is able to generate a very high voltage through a process known as electrostatic induction. This involves the transfer of electrons from one object to another, resulting in a buildup of electric charge. In the case of the Wimshurst machine, the two Leyden jars act as capacitors, storing the electric charge that is generated by the machine.

The charges come from the aluminum foils, which are constantly being rubbed against the rotating disks. This friction creates a buildup of static electricity, which is then transferred to the Leyden jars. The neutralizing brushes help to prevent the buildup of too much charge, ensuring that the machine can continue to generate a steady high voltage.

The size of the machine does play a role in its ability to generate such a high voltage. The larger the machine, the larger the surface area of the disks and the more friction that can be created, resulting in a higher charge buildup.

Overall, the Wimshurst machine is a fascinating example of how electrostatic induction can be used to generate high voltages. It demonstrates the principles of electricity and magnetism and has been used in various experiments and demonstrations in the field of science.