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Just like in 1930's horror movies! Two metal rods are arranged in a vertical V, and the potential difference between them is increased until a spark arcs across the base of the V. The air in its path, now ionized and hot, rises up the wires. Even as the rising spark gets much longer, the current still prefers to travel through the highly conductive ionized air, and so will maintain a stable arc all the way up the wires. The spark disappears as another forms at the base again.

Parts List

Jacob's Ladder and transformer in G. E&M, 1B

Variac and leads in L. Misc

Relevant Simulation

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Other Information

Jacob's Ladde

Real-Life Examples

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More Advanced Reading

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