How to shoot electricity through the air?

Question

I have to make something for my science project.

Answer 1

Hi Ezana S.,

Shooting electricity (in the sense of electron flow) into the air is easy; all you need to do is to transform ordinary house A.C. up to a few thousand volts, until you hear a crackling sound from your conductive pointed emitter. But, doing it safely, or in a controlled fashion -- that's different!

Air has a "breakdown voltage" of ~ 3 kV/mm in bulk. But, between 2 close sharply-pointed electrodes, one can generate a "static" discharge nicely, because the geometry of the electrode makes a much higher electric field strength near the points. Whether that current travels only between the electrodes, or partially through you(!!), depends on your position and your electrical grounding.

I should probably also point out, that whilst static crackling arcs generate some ozone, which is smelly and toxic, technology also gives us devices which silently ionize air by means of a brush of fine copper wires. These devices serve as a continuous source of negative oxygen ions which flow gently through the air until they discharge onto any conductive surface, and have reported beneficial effects on the health of people in the same room with the ion generator. In addition to boosting immune system function, they also efficiently clear the air of floating dust, pollen, bacteria, and fungi. Modern home forced-hot-air heating systems frequently have an electrostatic dust trap, but that acts locally at the furnace, and does not affect immune system function in the "down-stream" air.

If you do set up any high-voltage electrical equipment, be sure to obtain the help of adults in monitoring your safety!

-- Cheers, -- Mr. d.