Help with Van de Graaff Generator & PVC Pipe Setup

  • Thread starter Thread starter demhaha
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Van de graaff
AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on troubleshooting a Van de Graaff generator project made with PVC pipe, a small DC motor, and plastic pulleys. The user reports that the generator is not functioning and questions whether the absence of a glass tube is the issue. Responses suggest that the use of a plastic pulley instead of glass could be the problem, as materials in the same end of the triboelectric series do not generate sufficient charge. Recommendations include trying a glass or nylon tube to improve performance. The conversation emphasizes the importance of material selection in electrostatic devices.
demhaha
Messages
3
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



I have to make a van de graaff generator for my physics class.

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



I put it together and it doesn't work at all. Please help. Is the reason it isn't working is that i don't have a glass tube or something else?

Homework Statement



We build one using pvc pipe, thin rubber band, small dc motor, and 2 plastic pulleys, brush wire, and a can. I made it based on this tutorial http://scitoys.com/scitoys/scitoys/electro/electro6.html The only difference is that mine uses a plastic pulley where the glass tube should go.

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


Homework Statement


Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution

 
Physics news on Phys.org
If that's the only difference, then its probably a good clue. Try using a glass (or maybe nylon) tube. The reason for it not working is rubber and plastic are on the same end of the "triboelectric series".
 

Thread 'Errors and significant figures'

I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
View full post »
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
View full post »

Similar threads

What is the Speed and Number of Protons in a Van de Graaff Generator Beam?
Replies
3
Views
4K
How Does Proximity to a Van de Graaff Generator Affect an Insulated Conductor?
Replies
1
Views
1K
Van de Graaff help
Replies
5
Views
2K
Van de Graaff generator questions?
Replies
12
Views
7K
How to Calculate Force for Van de Graaff Generator | 70-Year Old Challenge
Replies
7
Views
4K
The force between charged and neutral object
Replies
2
Views
2K
Van der Graaf Generator: Charge, Potential and Redesign Questions
Replies
8
Views
2K
Van de Graaff generator? adding a electron?
Replies
8
Views
3K
Troubleshooting a homemade Van de Graaff machine
Replies
20
Views
4K
How to find the mass of a pith ball using electric forces?
Replies
1
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top