How Does Proximity to a Van de Graaff Generator Affect an Insulated Conductor?

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In summary, when an insulated conductor is placed close to a Van de Graaff generator dome, it will have an excessive charge of the same sign as the dome due to charge sharing through ionization of air particles. An insulated conductor is a material that does not easily allow electricity to flow through it, and the charge is able to travel through the air due to electrostatics principles. More information can be found by researching these concepts further.
  • #1
Clara Chung
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Homework Statement


Why when an insulated conductor is placed very close to the Van de Graaff generator dome, the conductor will have an excessive charge of the same sign as the dome?

What is an insulated conductor?!
why can the charge travel in air?

Homework Equations


Electrostatics knowledge

The Attempt at a Solution


I guess insulated conductor means it is a conductor but it is not earthed by the hands when manipulating it? When it places very near, they share charges by ionising the air particles?
 
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  • #2
Clara Chung said:

Homework Statement


Why when an insulated conductor is placed very close to the Van de Graaff generator dome, the conductor will have an excessive charge of the same sign as the dome?

What is an insulated conductor?!
why can the charge travel in air?

Homework Equations


Electrostatics knowledge

The Attempt at a Solution


I guess insulated conductor means it is a conductor but it is not earthed by the hands when manipulating it? When it places very near, they share charges by ionising the air particles?

About the first you ask just google it and see the pictures. Also take a look at the Wikipedia article:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insulator_(electricity).
For the second you're on the right path but you have to study about it. A good start is: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Van_de_Graaff_generator
 
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What is a Van de Graff generator?

A Van de Graff generator is an electrostatic generator that uses a moving belt to accumulate and transfer electric charges from a high-voltage power source to a metal sphere on top. It was invented by American physicist Robert J. Van de Graaff in the 1920s.

How does a Van de Graff generator work?

A Van de Graff generator works by using a motorized belt to carry electric charges from a high-voltage power source to a metal sphere. The charges accumulate on the sphere, creating a high voltage. The electric field produced by the high voltage is strong enough to ionize the air, causing sparks to jump between the sphere and nearby objects.

What is the purpose of a Van de Graff generator?

A Van de Graff generator is primarily used for educational purposes in physics classrooms and laboratories. It can demonstrate principles of electrostatics, such as charge accumulation, electric fields, and discharge. It is also used in particle accelerators and nuclear physics research.

Is a Van de Graff generator dangerous?

A Van de Graff generator can produce high voltages, but the currents are very low, making it relatively safe for demonstration purposes. However, it can still give a strong shock if touched, and precautions should be taken when using it, such as wearing rubber gloves and avoiding contact with the metal sphere.

Can a Van de Graff generator produce unlimited amounts of electricity?

No, a Van de Graff generator can only produce a limited amount of electricity. The maximum voltage it can reach depends on various factors, such as the size of the sphere, the materials used, and the power source. However, the voltage can be increased by adding more stages to the generator or using a larger power source.

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