Solving a Disappearing Voltage Puzzle: The Ball Cyclotron Project

[irdeg]

Homework Statement

I'm making a ball cyclotron (https://rimstar.org/science_electronics_projects/ball_cyclotron_electrostatic_accelerator.htm) for a school project. To generate enough voltage, I'm using a Van der Graaf-generator. The problem is that all the voltage, which I can measure, suddenly dissapears when I connect the generator with the alumium tape.

How is this possible and how can I solve this?

The Attempt at a Solution

My tutors think that the charge dissipates into the air.

 

[J Hann]

Static electricity has a way of dissipating.
Try to avoid any sharp points (pointed ends of connecting wires, etc.)
Alligator clips should work OK.
You might try folding the edges of the foil strips to get rid of the sharp edges.
Also, the bowl would have to be clean to prevent leakage between the strips.
Maybe the distance between the oppositely charged strips could be increased.
I built a "Kelvin Water Dropper" (Kelvin's thunderstorm) and once noticed that
it didn't seem to work as well in high humidity.