PHYSICS LAB
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ELECTRICITY & MAGNETISM · LAB 34

Van de Graaff generator laboratory

Follow charge from the moving belt to the metal dome, build a high voltage and trigger an electrical discharge.

GENERATORCHARGING
Positive chargeNegative chargeElectric fieldSpark
DOME CHARGE0.00 μC

positive polarity

DOME VOLTAGE0 kV

V = Q / C

SURFACE FIELD0.00 MV/m

E ≈ V / R

GAP / THRESHOLD0.00 / 3.00

MV/m across wand gap

SPARKS0

no discharge yet

HOW IT WORKS

A charge conveyor

  1. Charge is placed on the belt.
  2. The belt carries it into the dome.
  3. The upper comb transfers it to the conductor.
  4. Charge spreads over the outer surface.
  5. Voltage rises until leakage or breakdown occurs.
C ≈ 4πε₀RV = Q / CU = ½CV²

Safety: Real Van de Graaff generators produce hazardous high voltage and must only be used with suitable equipment under qualified supervision.