Objective:
– To show a capacitor can store a limited amount of energy, which can be used to power a fan and an incandescent light bulb for a short period of time without the assistance of batteries.
Apparatus:
- Custom circuit, c/w 1 Farad capacitor, lamp and
double-throw switch for discharging or charging. - 6 volt lantern battery
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Method:
Connect the fan/motor to the red/black terminals. With the knife switch open, connect the 6 volt lantern battery (red, positive). Move the switch to the left (charge). The lamp and motor will be on, due to the charging current through them. After about 1 minute, the lamp will be virtually out, but the motor will still operate for about 30 seconds. Charging of the Supercap is now complete.
Disconnect the battery for the next step.
Move the switch to the right (discharge). The stored energy in the Supercap will light the lamp and spin the motor, for the similar amount of time as for charging.
Disconnect the battery to show that the energy is coming from the Supercap.