Electrostatic Generator Kit – Hand-Crank Static Electricity & Spark Discharge STEM Model
Turn the crank, rub the roller against cotton and build up static charge until a tiny spark jumps between the two metal wires.
Designed by Mematrix Lab
Description
Make your own sparks
This kit builds a hand-cranked electrostatic generator in a clear case. Turning the handle spins a friction roller against a pad of cotton; the rubbing moves electrons from one material to the other, and the charge is collected and stored on a plate inside. When enough charge has built up, a small spark jumps across the gap between the semi-arc wire and the L-shaped wire on top.
Science it demonstrates
- Static electricity: rubbing two materials moves electric charge
- Charge storage: how charge accumulates on a collector plate
- Discharge: why a spark jumps when the voltage is high enough
- Everyday static: the same effect behind a shock from a door handle
What you'll do
- Assemble the base, panels, friction roller and crank
- Fit the half-cylindrical trough with cotton and the charge collector
- Install the aluminium foil storage plate and the top panel with its wires
- Set a 1–3 mm gap between the wires, turn the crank and watch for sparks
Parts list
- Base, front, rear, side and top panels
- Friction roller with cap, crank and handle, half-cylindrical trough, cotton
- Rotor, rotor shaft and cap, charge collector plate, charge storage plate, aluminium foil
- Semi-arc and L-shaped metal wires, red and black terminals, screws, nuts and a screwdriver
Good to know
- No batteries needed: the crank is the power source.
- People with pacemakers or heart conditions should not do the spark experiment.
- Works best in dry air.
- Contains small parts. Recommended for ages 8 and up, with adult guidance.
Specs and Docs
- Power
- Hand crank (no batteries needed)
- Output
- Small spark between two wires (1–3 mm gap)
- Material
- Plastic, metal, aluminium foil, cotton
- Suggested age
- 8+ with adult guidance
Shipping
Standard shipping: $9.00 for the first item, +$1.80 for each additional item. Free shipping on orders over $260.
We ship worldwide, by default with economical international post (UPU / China Post small packet) to keep shipping costs low. Orders are usually handed to the carrier within 2–5 business days, and economical international post then takes about 10–30 business days to arrive; these are estimates, not guarantees. Delivery time depends on the destination and on postal and customs handling. If you need your order by a certain date, email us before ordering: faster shipping can be arranged, with the extra cost charged at the carrier's actual rate. Items that contain batteries or magnets are marked on their product page and ship by a special carrier line; some countries and regions cannot be reached by that line, and if yours is one of them we refund the order in full.
Customs & duties
Import duties, taxes and customs requirements depend on the destination country, the shipping route and the local customs office, so we cannot say in advance whether any will apply to your parcel. Customs may hold a parcel, ask for more information, or ask for duties or taxes to be paid, even when the declared value is correct. If you have a question about your country, email us before ordering.
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