Re: science fair problem

["Tesla list" <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>]

Original poster: "Malcolm Watts by way of Terry Fritz <twftesla-at-qwest-dot-net>" <m.j.watts-at-massey.ac.nz>

Hi Jim,
        Nice idea, but I fear it takes us firmly back into the realm 
of "science":

On 3 Oct 2001, at 16:36, Tesla list wrote:

> Original poster: "Jim Lux by way of Terry Fritz <twftesla-at-qwest-dot-net>"
<jimlux-at-earthlink-dot-net>
> 
> (Who is "me"?)
> 
> If your fair allows "engineering" type projects (i.e. it doesn't require
> the question/hypothesis/test/conclusions paradigm), then any number of
> topics can be done:
> 
> 1) Spark length as a function of applied AC voltage
> 2) Spark length as a function of primary C
> 3) Spark length as a function of topload size/shape
> 4) Ozone production as a function of breakout vs non-breakout
> 5) Sound level
> 6) Streamer/Spark formation
> 
> etc

This is a problem that has been debated at length. The hidden problem 
in those seemingly simple questions is to exclude all other variables 
from the mix - bang size, gap losses etc. etc. In essence, the basic 
question about spark length falls into the same category as "how long 
is a piece of string?" IMO. The real question perhaps is "what is the 
very best you can do?"
 
Regards,
Malcolm

> Tesla list wrote:
> > 
> > Original poster: "by way of Terry Fritz <twftesla-at-qwest-dot-net>"
> <RQBauzon-at-aol-dot-com>
> > 
> >     okay, it would sure impress everyone if i were to bring a tesla coil to
> > school. however, i wanna do this thing for a science project, and first, i
> > always have to state the "problem", or "question". i haven't got any ideas
> > for a "question". Have you?
> > 
> > 
> > 
> >                                                         Thanx,
> >                                                         Me
> 
> 
> 
>