Van de Graaff Generator Concepts

The Van de Graaff generator, designed by Robert J. Vagra, is an electrostatic device capable of generating high static electric potentials up to 20 million volts. It operates on the principle of charge transfer between conductors. The generator consists of a rubber belt, rollers, and a hollow metallic sphere. A motor moves the belt, which carries positive charges sprayed by a comb. These charges are collected by another comb connected to the sphere, leading to charge accumulation. When the potential exceeds air's breakdown value, ionization occurs, causing charge leakage. The generator can produce high-energy particle beams.

Who designed the Van de Graaff generator?

• Robert J. Van de Graaff

• Thomas Edison

• Albert Einstein

• Nikola Tesla

What is the maximum potential that a Van de Graaff generator can produce?

• 50 million volts

• 5 million volts

• 20 million volts

• 10 million volts

What is the main principle behind the Van de Graaff generator?

• Electromagnetic radiation

• Magnetic induction

• Charge transfer between conductors

• Thermal conduction

What material is the belt of a simple Van de Graaff generator typically made of?

• Glass

• Plastic

• Rubber

• Metal

What is the function of the hollow metallic sphere in a Van de Graaff generator?

• To maintain the belt's tension

• To collect and store charges

• To emit electrons

• To cool the generator

What is the purpose of the comb near the lower roller in a Van de Graaff generator?

• To cool the generator

• To maintain the belt's tension

• To emit electrons

• To spray positive charges

How is the belt moved in a Van de Graaff generator?

• By wind power

• By solar energy

• By manual rotation

• By a motor connected to the bottom roller

What is the role of the receiver comb in a Van de Graaff generator?

• To cool the generator

• To emit electrons

• To maintain the belt's tension

• To collect charges from the belt

What happens when the potential of the spherical shell exceeds the breakdown value of air?

• The air around the sphere gets ionized

• The generator stops working

• The belt breaks

• The generator explodes

What type of particles does the Van de Graaff generator produce?

• Low energy particles

• High energy particles

• Magnetic particles

• Neutral particles