1. Van Der Graaf generator The Van Der Graaf generator is such a famous piece of Physics equipment that even this Rock group is named after it! Play a sample!

2. The Van Der Graaf generator How the Van Der Graaf generator works Sparks and a model for lightning

3. Van Der Graaf generator In your group, draw a diagram of the Van Der Graaf generator (with labels) and explain how every single part works. You can bare in mind these points to help you: A metal rubbed against rubber scratches electrons away from the rubber Electric charges always distribute evenly around the surface of a metal An uncharged metal touching a charged metal will be charged with the same charge by contact

4. Some more hints! What happens as the rubber belt rubs against the bottom comb of needles? The top comb is connected to the metal dome. How does this feature allow the dome to charge positively? Why aren’t the charges on the Metal dome travelling down the body of the generator? Van Der Graaf generator

5. The rubber belt moved by the pulleys rubs against the comb of needles. These needles scratch some electrons away from the belt, leaving positive charges on it, which are collected by another comb of needles at the top. This top comb is connected to the metal dome, on which the charges deposit.