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A large Leyden jar (capacitor) is surrounded by dry air so that the net resistance between its charged and grounded terminal is approximately $10^10$ $\Omega$. It is charged up to 50,000 volts by a Wimshurst generator (at which time it contains 0.005 Coulombs of charge). It is then disconnected and left there by a negligent physics instructor. 33 1/3 minutes later, an astrophysics professor comes into the room and, seeking to move the jar, grabs the ungrounded, charged, central terminal. How much charge seeks ground through this hapless soul's body? How much stored energy is dissipated in the process? (You can solve this algebraically if you have no calculator handy.)

Ouch! These are not unrealistic parameters. Leyden jars can be very, very dangerous for hours after they are charged up.


Robert G. Brown 2003-02-09