Download Van de Graaff Generator

WHAT IS IT?
 The Van de Graaff generator is a device that separates electric charges
mechanically.
 This produces a high voltage with a low current.
 Low current means its safe to learn with!
HOW MUCH VOLTAGE?
• Voltage is…is commonly used as a short name for electrical
potential difference
• Which means is a measurement of the energy contained within an
electric field, or an electric circuit, at a given point
• This VdG generator can produce anywhere from 10-200 thousand
volts (V).
• It is safe because the current is quite low.
WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE INSIDE?
Metal Sphere
Insulating tube
Conveyor belt (rubber)
Metal Combs
Base (Electric motor)
Electrons jump off
the belt at the top
Electrons jump
onto the belt at the
bottom
HOW DOES IT WORK?
The VdG generator is a charge separator.
When turned on, the belt begins to move, picking
up negative charges deposited by the metal comb
at the base.
The belt then transfers the charges to the metal
comb at the top of the generator.
The metal comb is attached to the metal sphere
and thus transfers the negative charges to the
sphere.
Metal Sphere
Insulating tube
Base (Electric motor)
DISCHARGING THE VDG
• By completing the circuit, we neutralize the static charges!
• Touch the wand to the VDG
WHAT IS IT USED FOR?
Used during early research into radioactivity and
atomic structure, used as power source for
particle accelerators.
Still used to power high energy x-ray machines
Useful in laboratory study of electrostatics
ELECTRONS FLOW OUT!
HAIR STANDS UP BECAUSE THE ELECTRONS TRAPPED IN
YOUR HAIR ARE REPELLING EACH OTHER!