Van de graff generator gives the same current. How?

[iVenky]

The reason why we don't die when we touch a Van de Graff generator is because it produces a very low constant current and when you touch it only the voltage change and not the current. It's like a current source rather. But how does that produce constant current?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Naty1]

It's like a current source rather. But how does that produce constant current?

It's more like a charged capacitor...one with high voltage and very low current...

Now that you mention it, I don't think I've seen an equivalent circuit for one...

edit: I just checked wikipedia and they have a different perspective..."Since a Van de Graaff generator can supply the same small current at almost any level of electrical potential, it is an example of a nearly ideal current source."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Van_de_Graaff_generator

If I recall the voltage drops dramatically at discharge... before buiilding again...more like a capacitor, but it's arguable...