Getting higher potential difference with Van De Graaff machines

In summary, a Van De Graaff (VDG) machine can generate high voltage of up to 10 million volts, but stability becomes an issue beyond this point. To solve this problem, a magnified machine design can be used, where smaller VDGs are aggregated and the voltage is collectively "magnified" to even higher levels. This design could potentially work with a gaseous catalyst and produce natural lightning or even fusion reactions. However, it should be noted that this is not manipulating real natural lightning. While the theory has been tested with a simple VDG, further experimentation is needed to determine its effectiveness.
  • #1
stevecheang
17
0
Using a Van De Graaff (VDG) machine, we can easily generate million-volt high voltage. The high potential difference can be generated effectively with minimum energy supplied to the machine. The larger the volume of the machine would be, the higher the voltage could get. However, stability would be a problem when the voltage gets to over 10 million-volts. This issue could be resolved with ‘magnified’ machine design. For example,

VDG1, VDG2, VDG3 è VDGA
VDG4, VDG5, VDG6 è VDGB
VDG7, VDG8, VDG9 è VDGC

VDGA, VDGB, VDGC è VDGX

In that case, VDGA works like a magnifier which aggregates the positive charge (or negative charge conducted from smaller VDGs) and collectively ‘magnifies’ the voltage to higher voltage. Of course, a portion of the positive charge could be lost in the process. However, it could theoretically be possible to keep majority of it until the voltage gets elevated to 100 million volts or higher. With such high voltage working on the deuterium or tritium, gas mixture which could be mixed from a source of gaseous catalyst, selected from the group consisting of beryllium, carbonates, hydroxides, halides, sulfates, phosphates, and sulfides. The reaction produces natural lightning, or occasional fusion reaction if you like.
 
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  • #2
Someone I know was arguing and claimed natural lightning would not produce fusion. First of all, the design described here is not about real natural lightning. You don't get to manipulate real natural lightning with the addition of deuterium or tritium in the picture. Second, real natural lightning has voltage in the range of a few million to at most 10 million volts. You don't get as high voltage as the design theoretically could (if it works).
 
  • #3
Someone asked, "Have you tried the theory to magnify the voltage?" I actually tried building a simple VDG and direct the charges to another larger hollow metal ball (not a VDG) successfully. However, I have never tried more than that. Hence, it would be difficult for me to say for sure whether it definitely would work.
 

1. How does a Van De Graaff machine generate a high potential difference?

A Van De Graaff machine uses a motorized belt to continuously accumulate static charge on a large metal sphere. This charge is then transferred to a smaller metal sphere, creating a potential difference between the two spheres.

2. What is the maximum potential difference that can be achieved with a Van De Graaff machine?

The maximum potential difference that can be achieved with a Van De Graaff machine is limited by the breakdown voltage of the air surrounding the spheres. This is typically around 5-10 million volts.

3. Can the potential difference of a Van De Graaff machine be increased by using different materials?

Yes, the potential difference of a Van De Graaff machine can be increased by using materials with higher dielectric strengths, such as Teflon or glass, for the belt and spheres. This allows for a greater accumulation of charge before reaching the breakdown voltage of air.

4. Are there any safety precautions that should be taken when using a Van De Graaff machine?

Yes, it is important to follow safety guidelines when using a Van De Graaff machine, as the high potential difference can be dangerous. This includes making sure the machine is properly grounded, wearing protective gear, and not operating the machine in humid conditions.

5. How is the potential difference of a Van De Graaff machine measured?

The potential difference of a Van De Graaff machine can be measured using a high-voltage voltmeter. This device is specifically designed to measure high voltages and can accurately measure the potential difference between the two spheres of the machine.

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