Build Electrodynamic Trap:Camera,Voltage,Distance

[a789irfan]

I am new to physics. I am trying to build an electrodynamic trap using 2 ring electrodes to trap aerosol particles. I will be applying a voltage of 5 KV. What are the things that i need for example what camera do i use to visulaize the particles and what distance should i maintain between the rings

 

[marcusl]

Air breaks down at a field of about 30 kV/cm, modified a bit by humidity and significantly by the presence of larger particles. Since you don't want sparks, you want a spacing large compared to 5/30 cm or about 1.6 mm if you have smooth electrodes. The field increases dramatically at sharp edges, and more so at sharp points (the reason Franklin used sharpened rods to protect houses against lightning), so you might want to start with a cm or so.

This technology is common--take a look at Honeywell's electrostatic air purifier for home furnaces, or these links.

http://www.airpurifiers.com/technology/electronic.htm"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrostatic_air_cleaner"

 

[astrokreng]

Hello there,

Building an electrodynamic trap can be a challenging but exciting project. The first thing you will need is a high voltage power supply capable of providing a stable 5 KV output. You will also need two ring electrodes, which can be made from metal or conductive material. The rings should be evenly spaced apart and have a small gap between them.

In terms of visualizing the particles, you can use a high-speed camera capable of capturing fast-moving objects. It is important to choose a camera with a high frame rate and resolution to accurately capture the movement of the particles. Additionally, you may want to consider using a laser or LED light source to illuminate the particles for better visibility.

As for the distance between the rings, it will depend on the size and charge of the particles you are trying to trap. Generally, the smaller the particles, the closer the rings should be to each other. It is recommended to start with a distance of a few millimeters and adjust accordingly based on your observations.

Lastly, I would recommend doing some research on electrodynamic traps and consulting with experienced scientists or engineers for additional guidance. Good luck with your project!