Van Der Graaf generator The Van Der Graaf generator is such a famous piece of Physics equipment that even this Rock group is named after it! Play a sample! The Van Der Graaf generator • How the Van Der Graaf generator works • Sparks and a model for lightning Van Der Graaf generator In your group, draw a diagram of the Van Der Graaf generator (with labels) and explain how every single part works. You can bare in mind these points to help you: • A metal rubbed against rubber scratches electrons away from the rubber •Electric charges always distribute evenly around the surface of a metal • An uncharged metal touching a charged metal will be charged with the same charge by contact Van Der Graaf generator Some more hints! • What happens as the rubber belt rubs against the bottom comb of needles? • The top comb is connected to the metal dome. How does this feature allow the dome to charge positively? • Why aren’t the charges on the • Metal dome travelling down the body of the generator? Van Der Graaf generator • The rubber belt moved by the pulleys rubs against the comb of needles. • These needles scratch some electrons away from the belt, leaving positive charges on it, which are collected by another comb of needles at the top. • This top comb is connected to the metal dome, on which the charges deposit.