Part 2/6:
A key part of the setup involves a capacitor composed of thin copper plates and a special wax insulator. The wax, which initially comes in chipped form, is melted in a pan to ensure it is larger than the copper plates, preventing accidental shorts during assembly. The wax’s melting point is between 175°F and 185°F, a temperature range carefully monitored throughout the process.
Preparing the Wax Insulation
The wax's primary role is to serve as an insulating medium between the copper plates. The experimenter emphasizes the importance of maintaining the wax in a soft, malleable state to allow proper embedding of the plates. Clamps are used to hold the plates securely within the wax, which should be heated carefully until it reaches the right consistency.