Title

Wimshurst machine

Creator

James Wimshurst

Preview

Document Type

Image

Description

The Wimshurst Machine, developed in the early 1880s, is an electric generator that utilizes electrostatic induction to generate a large potential (voltage) difference across two capacitors. It develops a maximum electrostatic potential based on the number of plates used and their diameter, and the spacing between the plates. Increasing the rotating speed of the plates does not increase the maximum discharge voltage; rather, it only decreases the time the machine takes to gain its full electrostatic potential. This machine was purchased for use at the NJIT from the Central Scientific Company.

Location

NJIT Campus Center, Second Floor

Dimensions

68.8 x 75.5 x 45 cm

Photgrapher

Matthew J. Brown

Photo Date

03/13/2020

Approximate Date

Early 1880s

Collection

Distributed Museum

Provenance

NJIT Department of Physics