UIUC Physics Lecture Demo: Van de Graaff Generator

UIUC Physics
Lecture Demonstration
Database

Demo # 55

Van de Graaff Generator

ID # 55

Description:

A volunteer from the audience stands on a rubber stool and touches the top of a Van de Graff generator with a rod to get charged and toward the floor to discharge. Depending on the humidity and hair type and condition, the volunteer's hair can rise upon charging. A few cycles of charging and discharging might help as well as shaking their head.

Picture of Van de Graaff Generator

Physics Concept:

Electricity and Magnetism
Electrostatics
Producing Static Charge

The demonstration takes about 8 minutes to perform.

The demonstration has audience participation.