Van De Graaff Generators

The Van de Graaff generator is a device that creates and accumulates a significant amount of static electricity on a metal sphere. Its components include a base, an insulating column, a large metal sphere, and a smaller discharge sphere on an insulated handle connected to an earthed source. A nylon pulley in the base drives a rubber or latex belt over a metal pulley inside the top sphere.

The belt transfers negative ions to the earthed comb at the lower pulley, while the top metal pulley and comb collect and transfer positive charge to the dome. This process results in high voltage, low current, and eventual discharge to the earth through sparks to the discharge sphere.

When operating under optimal conditions, this generator can generate 400,000 volts and a short circuit current of 20 micro-amps. The spark created has a voltage of about 30,000 volts per centimeter, making it useful for demonstrating static electricity and electric fields.

*for demonstration purposes only

Read Standard Operating Procedure