Jacob's Ladder Climbing Arc Apparatus Deluxe

The apparatus consists of a pair of long metal electrodes, 13 inch (330mm) tall, connected to a high voltage power source. The electrodes are fully enclosed in a transparent acrylic tube 16 inch (410mm) Long x 2.13 inch (55mm) dia., and the transformer in a plastic base, 6.3inch (160mm) x 4.6 inch (119mm) x 2.6 inch (67mm). Total height 19 inch (490mm). The base has an on / off button to start the formation of the arc. Operates on 110V, with the help of an adapter, included.

The best way to understand the theory is to start with the initial formation of the arc. When the unit is turned on, the ladders (electrodes), are energized i.e. a potential voltage exists between them. The air which is separating them is the dielectric. When the potential difference between the two electrodes becomes greater than the dielectric strength of the medium, in this case air, there is the production of an arc which jumps between the two electrodes. This leads to ionization of air, plasma. As this air, plasma, is superheated it rises, as warm air rises. This propagation of arc up the electrodes, ladder, continues till it reaches a point and there it breaks, because the gap between the electrodes / dielectric strength of the medium is more than the potential difference. In this unit the arc is not allowed to reach the top as it can harm the outer tube and can be dangerous. It is made to stop before the top. The top of the tube has a cover which can be rotated open to let the gases out or can be kept closed.

This apparatus is useful to demonstrate how this affects power transmission, and this arcing has to be avoided.

After the unit has been in operation for a few minutes, the oxides of nitrogen which form in the tube can be collected / aspirated for chemical analysis. This can be a dramatic illustration of the FIXATION of atmospheric nitrogen by lightning discharges.

Precautions:

Continuous arc formation can be hazardous to health, as the arc ionizes oxygen and nitrogen, which react to form ozone and nitric oxide. Do not smell the top of the tubes with holes. Make sure there is air circulation in the room and the room is well ventilated.

A preview of the included instructions can be found at the bottom of this listing.

Measurements are approximate.