Van de Graaff Generator - Electrical

A motor-driven Van de Graaff generator for experiments that need a steady supply of high voltage. A rubber belt carries charge up to a polished aluminium dome, and a discharge sphere draws sparks across the gap.

How it works

1. Switch on the motor to run the rubber belt inside the column
2. The belt carries charge up and it builds up on the aluminium dome
3. Bring the discharge sphere close and a spark jumps across the gap

What students learn

• Charge can be separated by rubbing and carried by a moving belt
• Charge collects on the outer surface of a metal dome
• A spark is a sudden flow of charge through the air, like lightning on a small scale

Try these experiments

1. Measure the longest spark gap you can get
2. Stand light paper strips on the dome and watch them fly apart
3. Use the 4 mm sockets to connect other electrostatics apparatus

Curriculum fit

In the box

• Van de Graaff generator with motor drive
• Aluminium dome (approx. 175 mm) and discharge sphere (approx. 75 mm)
• 4 mm sockets on dome and base

Pairs well with

Van de Graaff Generator - Hand DrivenPHY-164Gold Leaf ElectroscopePHY-121