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K7-61. Tesla Coil

Purpose

To demonstrate a tesla coil, including how magnetic induction and a resonant RLC circuit is used in the production of high-voltage high-frequency sparks.◙

Equipment

Tesla Coil.

Suggestions

DANGER: THE LOW VOLTAGE SECTIONS OF THIS DEVICE HAVE LETHAL CURRENTS.

Images

k7-61

Description

Our Tesla coil, circuit below, uses a 5000 volt transformer to charge a large oil capacitor. When the potential across the capacitor reaches the breakdown potential of the spark gap, breakdown across the gap occurs. The spark gap then becomes a conducting part of the RLC circuit, which resonates at a frequency of about 200 kilohertz. The large coil in the resonant circuit is the primary of the final transformer and the very fine coil is the secondary, producing about 200,000 volts at 200 kilohertz. In the photograph the wires known as JACOB'S LADDER have been attached to the output terminals

References

James B. Kellen, Lee Bunbar, Sr., The Tesla Coil, AJP 20, 32-35, (1952). Donald G. Bruns, A solid-state low-voltage Tesla coil demonstrator, AJP 60, 797-803 (1992). Directions for Use: Cat. No. 80721 Cenco High Frequency Tesla Coil, Cenco Scientific Co., Chicago, IL.