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Variable Capacitance Box

Physics

A wooden box with a bakelite top. On the bakelite there are three metal terminals. Underneath the terminals is a dial labeled “0”,”1″, “2”,”3″,”4″,”5″,”6″,”8″,”9″ and “10” and a plastic knob. Underneath the dial there are labels “1 MEGOHM WITHIN 1/4”, “1/10 MEGAOHM PER COIL”, “MAX VOLTS 1000”.

Accession Number: 2009.ph.65

Alternative Name:

Primary Materials: Wood, metal, plastic

Markings:

On the top of the object, scratched in: “IIE”
Printed into the bakelite: “1 MEGOHM WITHIN 1/4 0/0
1/10 MEGOHM PER CO[??]
MAX VOLTS 1000”

The dial is numbered 1 through 10.

Written on a post-it note taped on the front of the box: “PHY1022B”. This number refers to the object’s entry in the 1978 Catalogue.

Dimensions (cm):

height = 13cm, length = 14.5cm, width = 14.5cm

Function:

A variable capacitance box is a capacitor that allows you to change the amount of charge that can be stored.

Condition:

The wooden body of the box has a few dents and scratches, particularly on the corners and edges. The bakelite top is degraded and speckled with light grey dots, particularly in the top left hand corner. The metal components are slightly rusty.

Associated Instruments:

Manufacturer: Made by hand (UofT)

Date of Manufacture:

Provenance:

University of Toronto Department of Physics

Additional Information and References:

Historical Notes: SEE OLD CATALOG CARD

Themes:

Flags:
  • Donated to UTSIC