# Electrometer for self-discharging of Leyden jars

1775 - 1799

With the help of this electrometer, the electric charge of different Leyden jars can be compared. To do this, a Leyden jar is placed under the lower sphere. This sphere is fixed to a glass tube, painted red, serving as insulator: so the electric charge cannot flow from the sphere. As electricity can move through air, there will be a discharge if the distance between the lower and upper sphere is small enough. The larger the charge of the Leyden jar, the larger the distance that can be bridged. In order to be able to vary the distance between the spheres, the upper sphere can be rotated horizontally. However, the spheres can also be placed at a fixed distance of each other. In that case, the time needed to generate a discharge is observed for different Leyden jars.

Fysisch Kabinet

Title

Electrometer for self-discharging of Leyden jars

Translated title

Electrometer for self-discharging of Leyden jars

Dating

[{'start': '1775', 'end_precision': u'', 'end': '1799', 'start_precision': u''}]

Material

[{'material': 'brass'}, {'material': 'Wood'}]

Object number

FK 0507

Reproduction reference

[{'reference': '..\\images\\Fysisch\\Gekoppelde afbeeldingen\\FK 0507.jpg'}]