Abstract
IN the course of some experiments made a few weeks ago, upon the discharge of electricity by air which had been traversed by X-rays, it occurred to me to try whether similar action would be exerted by air in which phosphorus was being oxidised. I found that a gold-leaf (Dutch metal) electroscope was quickly discharged when a stick of phosphorus was held near it. A small metal crucible was afterwards connected with the electroscope, and a clean slice of phosphorus half an inch in diameter was supported within it at a distance of about half an inch from its sides and bottom. The electroscope was completely discharged in six seconds, the action being more rapid than that of a burning strip of nitrate of lead touch-paper one inch in width.
Article PDF
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
BIDWELL, S. Diselectrification by Phosphorus. Nature 55, 6 (1896). https://doi.org/10.1038/055006b0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/055006b0
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.