What is a Van de Graaff Generator?
A Van de Graaff generator is an electrostatic device invented by American physicist Robert J. Van de Graaff in 1929. It uses a moving belt to accumulate very high amounts of electrical potential on a hollow metal globe.
How does it work?
- A belt of rubber or similar material runs over two rollers, one at the bottom and one at the top inside the dome.
- The lower roller is charged negatively, which causes electrons to be picked up by the belt.
- As the belt moves, it carries these electrons to the upper roller.
- At the top, the electrons are deposited onto the hollow metal dome, creating a large negative charge.
- This process continues, building up a very high voltage on the dome.
Uses of Van de Graaff Generators
- Demonstrating principles of electrostatics in classrooms
- Research in high-energy physics
- Accelerating charged particles for nuclear physics experiments