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!