LORD KELVIN’S THUNDERSTORM

Create high-voltage sparks using nothing more than falling water as the source of energy.

BY MATTHEW GRYCZAN

image With a few household items and a trip to the hardware store, you can whip up one of the all-time favorite projects of science experimenters: Lord Kelvin’s Thunderstorm, a high-voltage electric generator that uses nothing but dripping water as its source of energy.

It’s cheap to build, and perfect for anyone who loves to experiment because it can be made from a wide variety of materials once the basic configuration is understood.

Most importantly, you have a chance to contribute to the understanding of this fascinating ...

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