Electromechanical transducer - uses electrostatic energy produced by rubbing to drive metal cylinder up slope to demonstrate electrostatic forces

摘要

The electromechanical transducer is used to convert electrostatic energy into mechanical energy, and has a horizontal insulating bar (15) which is charged electrostatically and is supported at its ends by two vertical supports (13, 14). (The bar is charged by rubbing). A metal cylinder (19) rolls along earthed metal rails (16) leaving a gap (5 mm) between its top surface and the charged strip. The whole apparatus is then tilted from the horizontal so that the electrostatic forces drive the cylinder up the inclined path to the top. The apparatus is designed to demonstrate the considerable energy associated with electrostatic charge.