PHYSICS
PROJECT FILEN
NAME – PRANAY PRASAD
PONNAGANTI
CLASS – XII
ROLL NO. –
SESSION – 2024 - 2025
TOPIC
Wireless Electricity: Investigating
the Tesla Coil
SUBMITTED TO
Mrs. RESHMA BHAGAL
Physics Department
CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that the project submitted by Pranay Prasad
Ponnaganti of class XII in the session 2024-25 in the Department of
Physics , Crimson Anisha Global School , Undri , NIBM Campus ,
Pune is in accordance to the specification presented by Central Board
of Secondary Education (CBSE) , New Delhi
He had worked on the project “Wireless Electricity: Investigating
the Tesla Coil” under my supervision. During this period, he was
found to be sincere and hardworking
Teacher’s signature Principal’s signature
Examiner’s Signature
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I take this opportunity to express my gratitude towards
my Physics teacher Mrs. Reshma Bhagal for her
precious and valuable guidance which played a crucial
role in not only my investigatory project on the topic
“Wireless Electricity: Investigating the Tesla Coil, but also
throughout the session with my studies. I am very
grateful to the school as well, for giving me this
opportunity. Last but not the least I would like to thank
my parents and friends for helping me in this project.
Pranay Prasad Ponnaganti
XII
2024- 2025
CONTENTS
Introduction
Theory
Aim
Apparatus
Circuit Diagram
Result
Conclusion
Bibliography
INTRODUCTION
The Tesla Coil is an electrical transformer that uses high
frequency alternating current (AC) to increase voltage. Because
of its extremely high voltage, the electricity in a Tesla Coil can
travel through the air, powering or damaging nearby electrical
devices, often with arcs of lightning – like electricity.
The Tesla Coil was invented by Serbian – American inventor
Nikola Tesla in 1891. Tesla was primarily interested in its
potential to transmit electricity wirelessly particularly for
lightning. He hoped to build large coils scattered across the Earth,
each of which would provide power to an any device with a
receiver coil. The Tesla Coil functions on the principal of
electromagnetic induction in which a conductor is placed in a
magnetic field and produces voltage across the conductor. The
invention by Tesla is one of the most important inventions in the
history of physics, which was later pushed away due to its
disadvantages, despite having various advantage.
Miniature forms of the Tesla Coil are made as projects for study
with the help of locally available materials such as coil, wires,
battery, etc.
THEORY
A mini – Tesla Coil is a miniature version of the Tesla Coil
which is an electrical resonant transformer circuit. It is used
produce high voltage, low current, high frequency alternating
current electricity.
Tesla Coils or resonant transformers of high frequency and
high potential have been used in many commercial
applications.
The concept behind the coil is fairly simple and makes use of
electromagnetic force and resonance.
A Tesla Coil consists of two parts: a primary coil and
secondary coil, each with its own capacitor. Capacitors store
electrical energy just like batteries. The two coils and
capacitors are connected by a spark gap – a gap of air between
two electrodes that generates the spark of electricity. An
outside source hooked up to a transformer powers the whole
system. Essentially, the Tesla Coil is two open circuits
connected to a spark gap.
How it works:
The power source is hooked up to the primary coil. The
primary coil’s capacitor acts like a sponge and soaks up the
charge. The primary coil itself must be able to withstand the
massive charge and huge surges of current, so the coil is
usually made from copper, a good conductor of electricity.
Eventually, the capacitor builds up so much charge that it
breaks down the air resistance in the spark gap. Then, similar
to squeezing out a soaked sponge, the current flows out the
capacitor down the primary coil and creates a magnetic field.
The massive amount of energy makes the magnetic field
collapse quickly and generates an electric current in the
secondary coil. The voltage zipping through the air between
the two coils creates sparks in the spark gap. The energy
sloshes back and forth between the two coils several hundred
times per second and builds up in the secondary coil and the
capacitor.
Eventually, the charge in the secondary capacitor gets so high
that it breaks free in a spectacular burst of electric current.
The resulting high frequency voltage can illuminate
fluorescent bulbs several feet away with no wired electrical
connection
Working Principle:
• Faraday’s Law of Magnetic Induction: “The induced emf
in any closed circuit is equal to the negative of the time rate of
change of the magnetic flux enclosed by the circuit.”
Which means that when a conductor is placed under a varying
magnetic field, a small current will be induced inside the
conductor. For the Tesla Coil, the conductor will be the
secondary coil and the magnetic field will be produced by the
primary coil by passing an oscillating current through the
primary coil.
The power of the Tesla Coil lies in the process called
electromagnetic induction, i.e., a changing magnetic field
creates an electric potential that compels current to flow.
Conversely, flowing electric current generates a magnetic
field that fills the area around the coil.
When huge amount of energy is transmitted through the coil,
the magnetic field is exploited resulting in the release of
electric power. And with the release of electric power, current
is produced, and a lamp brought near can be lighten up.
AIM
To construct a miniature Tesla Coil capable of generating
high-voltage, low-current, high-frequency alternating current
electricity and to demonstrate the wireless transmission of
power through electromagnetic induction.
APPARATUS
To build the Tesla Coil, the following materials are required:
1. PVC Pipe (9 cm): Acts as a base for winding the secondary
coil.
2. Copper Wire (28 AWG): Used for both the primary and
secondary coils due to its excellent conductivity.
3. TR 2222 Transistor: A high-frequency transistor used to
regulate the current in the circuit.
4. 22k and 1k Ω Resistor: Limits the current flow to prevent
damage to components.
5. 9V Battery with Connector: Provides the power source for
the circuit.
6. Connector Wires: Used to connect various components.
CIRCUIT
DIAGRAM
This is a simple Tesla coil circuit designed to demonstrate the
principles of electromagnetic induction and high-voltage
generation. A Tesla coil is a type of resonant transformer circuit
that creates high-frequency alternating current (AC) and high-
voltage electricity. This mini Tesla coil operates using a 9V
battery as its power source.
PROCEDURE FOLLOWED
Preparing the Secondary Coil:
Take the PVC pipe and wind the copper wire (28 AWG) around
it tightly and evenly. Ensure the turns are close to each other
without overlapping.
Leave some wire free at both ends for connections.
Attaching the Aluminum Foil:
Wrap a small ball of aluminum foil and attach it to the top of the
PVC pipe. This acts as a terminal for the secondary coil.
Making the Primary Coil:
Use a short length of copper wire to create the primary coil.
Wrap it loosely around the base of the PVC pipe.
Assembling the Circuit:
Connect the primary coil to the capacitor and the 2N2222
transistor.
Attach the resistor in series to regulate the current flow.
Connecting the Power Source:
Attach the 9V battery to the circuit using a snap connector.
Add a switch to control the power supply.
Testing the Coil:
Place a CFL bulb near the Tesla Coil.
Turn on the switch and observe the bulb lighting up due to the
wireless electricity transmitted by the coil.
RESULT
• The CFL lamp brought near the Telsa Coil gets lightened up
due to the transmission of electricity through air.
• The lamp becomes dimmer when moved away from the coil.
CONCLUSION
The Tesla Coil effectively demonstrates the principles of
electromagnetic induction and wireless power transmission.
The high-voltage electric field generated by the coil can
wirelessly illuminate light bulbs, showcasing Tesla's vision of
a future powered without wires. Although practical wireless
power systems remain challenging due to energy losses,
Tesla's invention has paved the way for modern innovations in
wireless charging and power systems.
This project highlights the importance of precision in coil
construction and circuit design for achieving the desired
results.
PRECAUTIONS
Avoid Direct Contact with Coils:
Do not touch the primary or secondary coils while the
Tesla Coil is powered on to prevent accidental shocks,
even if the current is low.
Handle the Battery Safely:
Ensure the 9V battery is properly connected and not
damaged. Damaged batteries may leak or overheat.
Keep Flammable Materials Away:
Ensure there are no flammable materials or liquids near
the Tesla Coil as the high voltage could ignite them.
Use Proper Insulation:
Make sure all wires and connections are well insulated to
avoid short circuits or unintended contact with the
circuit.
Maintain a Safe Distance:
Do not place any sensitive electronic devices (e.g.,
phones, watches) close to the coil to prevent interference
or damage.
Monitor Heating:
Check the transistor and resistor during operation for
overheating. Stop the experiment if any component
becomes excessively hot.
Work in a Ventilated Area:
Perform the experiment in a well-ventilated and dry
environment to avoid moisture-related issues or hazards.
Avoid Overcharging:
Disconnect the 9V battery after use to prevent it from
draining or overheating.
Use Proper Tools:
Always use insulated tools to handle the components
during assembly or troubleshooting.
Supervise Experiments:
Ensure a teacher or adult is present while conducting the
experiment to assist in case of emergencies.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Books:
NCERT Physics Textbook for Class XII
Comprehensive Physics Lab Manual by Dr. N.K. Verma
Websites:
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