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This demonstration shows how charge distributes itself on a teardrop shaped conductor. When the teardrop shaped conductor is charged with the Van de Graaff Generator, the grounding sphere can be used to see longer arcs at the tip of the conductor where more charge has built up.
* Equipment seen in the video may vary from equipment used in ND Demonstrations. See information and images below for ND equipment and setup.
Setup:
Place the Van de Graaff Generator on the lab table. Set the teardrop shaped conductor with insulating stand on top of the VDG and tape it into place so that it will not fall. Tape one end of the banana cable on the surface of the teardrop and the other end to the surface of the sphere on the VDG. Plug in the grounding sphere.
Start the VDG and increase the motor speed. Bring the grounding sphere near various points on the teardrop. Start close and get farther away to see where the longest arcs occur.
Turn off the VDG and ground the system with the grounding sphere.
Notes:
None
Courses Used In:
PHY 10320
PHY 20435
PHY 30220
Discussion and Polling Questions:
Coming Soon
Equipment Needed:
Van de Graaff Generator
Grounding Sphere (Ovoid Shape)
Banana Cable
Electrical Tape
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