Republic of the Philippines

ILOCOS SUR POLYTECHNIC STATE COLLEGE

Main Campus, Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur
Telefax: (077) 732-5512; Email: ispsc_2705@yahoo.com; Website: ispsc.edu.ph

Paet, Alfredo B.
MSE- General Science
Subject: MSEGS216 Laboratory Techniques
Instructor: Dr. Marites Yacap

VAN DE GRAAFF GENERATOR

WHAT IS A VAN DE GRAAFF GENERATOR?

 A Van de Graaff generator is an electrostatic
generator capable of producing high voltages. It
creates an imbalance of charges from the
interaction between its roller, belt, and metal comb
assembly.
 It initially allows charges to move along the
insulated belt, then stores and distributes them
uniformly on the sphere's surface. The metal sphere
then discharges by creating sparks or crackling
noises.
 an electrostatic generator, invented by an American physicist Robert J.
Van de Graaff.
 It uses a moving belt that accumulates charge on a hollow metal
structure designed like a globe, placed on the top of a column that is
insulating in nature and thus, creating a very high electric potential in
the order of a few million volts.
 This results in a very large electric field that is used to accelerate charged
particles.
 Van de Graaff Generators are delineated as the "constant current"
electrostatic devices.
 When we put a load on a Van de Graaff Generator, the current remains
constant., but the voltage alters with the load.
How does Van De Graaff Generator Works?
 The generator has a rubber belt that runs vertically (up and down)
between two rollers. The lower roller is ABS plastic and the upper roller
is nylon. A metal bar or "comb" is attached close to but not touching the
belt at each roller. The belt assembly is enclosed in a clear plastic
 column that connects and insulates the base
and dome. An electric motor in the base of the
generator rotates the bottom roller which
makes the belt turn on the rollers.
 Van de Graaff generator uses a moving belt to
collect charge on a hollow metal structure
made in the shape of a globe.
 It is placed on the top of a column and is
insulating. It helps generate a very high
electric potential of few million volts.
 The simplest way to think of a Van de Graaff
generator is as an electric charge separator.
As the motor turns, it moves the rubber belt
which rubs against the rollers. As the belt
rubs over the ABS lower roller (1), a negative charge develops (electrons
collect) on the lower roller and a positive charge is produced on the part
of the belt moving up.
 This is because rubber is higher in the triboelectric series than ABS and
therefore rubber develops a positive charge while ABS develops a
negative charge when the two are rubbed together.
 The positively charged rubber belt then rubs over the nylon upper roller
(2), which develops a positive charge on the upper roller and a negative
charge is produced on the part of the belt moving down. In this case,
nylon is higher in the triboelectric series than rubber.
 As the generator continues to operate, electrons build on the lower roller
increasing the negative charge.
 Then these electrons are transferred from the lower roller to the lower
comb (3) and directed to the ground connection (6). At the same time, the
positive charge building on the upper roller begins to attract electrons
from the steel dome (5) through the upper comb (4).
 As this occurs, the dome builds a strong positive charge, and these
electrons are transferred onto the belt going to the lower roller.
 The positive charges continue to build on the dome and spread out
uniformly, because like charges repel. With all other variables equal, the
larger the dome the greater the positive charge it can hold. In simple
terms, we can say the generator pulls electrons from the dome and
moves them through the bottom of the generator to an electrical ground,
as illustrated on the picture.
 Eventually, the charge on the dome reaches an equilibrium state where
the positively charged dome begins to pull electrons from the air. That is
why you hear a crackling sound in the air around your generator as it
operates. The positive charge on the dome builds until it overcomes the
resistance of electron movement in the air. This causes a sudden transfer
 of electrons to the dome accompanied by a crackling sound. The electric
potential of the positive charged dome at this point is measured in volts.
 Many factors affect how much voltage your generator can produce, such
as air humidity and particle buildup on the dome. The moisture in
humid air makes the air a better conductor, which increases the electron
flow from the air to the dome.
 This prevents the dome from building high voltages. Dust and dirt
particles on the dome create distinct points that help break the
resistance to electron flow between the air and the dome. This results in
a "leaking" of neutralizing electrons from the air to the dome and limits
voltage potential of the dome.
What is a conductor?
 A conductor, or electrical conductor, is a substance or material that
allows electricity to flow through it. In a conductor, electrical charge
carriers, usually electrons or ions, move easily from atom to atom when
voltage is applied.
What is electrostatic?
 the study of electromagnetic phenomena that occur when there are no
moving charges—i.e., after a static equilibrium has been established.
What happens if you touch a Van de Graaff generator?
 When a person touches a Van de Graaff generator, they acquire the same
charge as the sphere caused by the electrostatic repulsion and
attraction. Similar charges in the hair repel causing the hair to stand on
its end and away from one another.
How does a Van de Graaff generator transfer electron?
 Inside the Van de Graaff generator, a motor turns a silicon roller, which
makes a rubber belt start to move. As the belt moves, electrons move
from the rubber belt to the silicon roller, causing the belt to become
positively charged and the roller to become negatively charged.
How does a Van der Graaff machine work explain why a person touching the
metal globe of the Van der Graaff would have their hair stand up?
 When turned on, the dome of the Van de Graaff generator becomes
charged (either positive or negative depending on its design). Anything in
contact with the dome also gains the same charge. If a person holds the
dome, they will become charged, and their hair might stand on end if it is
long and dry enough.
What are the advantages of Van de Graaff generator?
 Thus, it creates an exceptionally high electric capability of two or three
million volts. This produces a massive electric field. To speed up charged
particles, we utilize an electric field. Using this generator has several
benefits: the generated output is ripple-free, flexible, and precise in
voltage control.