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Q: Explain how a Van de Graaff generator builds up a static charge.?
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Why is the dome of a Van de Graaff machine spherical with no sharp edges?

A Van de Graaff generator is an electrostatic generator which builds up an enormous positive charge on the outer surface of its principal dome. The negative of the circuit is provided by a smaller secondary dome or sphere. Since, it involves electrostatic charge the domes are kept spherical and smooth, as any unevenness or sharp edges would cause a drastic difference in the charge per unit area between the point of unevenness and the rest of the surface. At such high potentials this difference in charge per unit area can be harmful to the material of sphere, the circuit and the surroundings (as it may cause an enormous charge leakage leading to ionization of the surrounding air).


How does static electricity build up in clouds?

Lightning


What charge generator was developed around 1930?

A type charge generator developed around 1993


Why does the van de graaff generator not work as well in wet weather?

The MOIST Air is a better conductor of ELECTRICITY and does not allow for the BUILD UP of a STATIC CHARGE within the Generator. You get more frequent SMALL DISCHARGES.


Why does your hair stand up when touching a charged Van de Graaff generator?

The large-radius sphere of a Van de Graff generator holds considerable charge before arc discharge occurs. The Van de Graff generator gathers negative charges and it is released into your body when you touch the sphere. We all know that negatives repel each other so since your hair is charged with negative electrons, they break away from each other (not lie flat on your head) in an effort to repel.

Related questions

Which pop group was named after a device which builds up electric charge on a metal sphere?

Van de Graaff generator


Can van de graaff generator hold any amount of charge?

No, the Van de Graaff generator can produce a large amount of charge but does not hold the charge itself. The generator must be in motion in order to produce electricity. Once the motion stops, the charge is lost.


How does a Van de Graaff generator build up a static charge?

A Van de Graaff generator operates by transferring electric charge from a moving belt to a terminal, usually, a hollow metal ball. It is an electrostatic generator, similar in principle to what happens when you rub your feet against a carpet and touch your cat!


What is mechanisms of van de graaff generator?

The purpose of the Van de Graff generator was for it to be used to study static charge


What is a Van Der Graph?

A Van de Graaff generator generates an electrostatic charge (like static electricity).


What charge does a Van De Graaff have a positive or negative?

In order to explain this, we should consider its working. The Van De Graaff Generator has two metal comb one which is held near the end of belt known as emitter comb and another comb which is placed near the upper end of the belt known as collector comb.The emitter comb ,as it is given high positive potential with respect to earth ,the discharge of its action of its pointed ends set up as electric wind of positive charges.These positive charges are sprayed on the belt which carries them to the top .This make the shell of a Van De Graaff Generator positively charge. But keep this is mind : The charge on the shell depends on the charge on the belt.


Why is the dome of a Van de Graaff machine spherical with no sharp edges?

A Van de Graaff generator is an electrostatic generator which builds up an enormous positive charge on the outer surface of its principal dome. The negative of the circuit is provided by a smaller secondary dome or sphere. Since, it involves electrostatic charge the domes are kept spherical and smooth, as any unevenness or sharp edges would cause a drastic difference in the charge per unit area between the point of unevenness and the rest of the surface. At such high potentials this difference in charge per unit area can be harmful to the material of sphere, the circuit and the surroundings (as it may cause an enormous charge leakage leading to ionization of the surrounding air).


What is the only methold to charge an insulator by?

An electrical charge could be added to an insulator from another source of charge such as a voltage supply, or maybe from a Van de Graaff belt generator. {The one I used generated 50MV at about 12x10^-6 Amperes. }


How does the Van De Graaff generator works?

A large rubber band spins, rubbing on a metallic dome. some electrons are transfered from the band to the dome, acting as static electricity. When, say Steve, touches the dome the charged particles will leap to him. Steve will experience a static shock.


How does a Van De Graaf generator works?

A Van der Graaf generator is an electrostatic generator which uses a moving belt to accumulate very high amounts of electrical charge on a hollow metal globe to the top of the stand. It is also the name of a metal band.


How does static electricity build up in clouds?

Lightning


What charge generator was developed around 1930?

A type charge generator developed around 1993