Kelvin Water Dropper
Generador de Kelvin
- Date
- 1867 · confidence high
- Place
- Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
- Credited to
- William Thomson
- Field
- Matter & energy
What it is
Electrostatic generator that produces voltage differences by induction from water drops falling between interconnected, oppositely charged systems, until a spark discharges; devised by William Thomson (Lord Kelvin).
What it led to
- Common teaching use to explain electrostatic induction
- Inspiration for later water-drop generator designs
- Comparison with the electrification of thunderstorms ("Kelvin's thunderstorm")