Van de Graaff Bells

This demonstration shows static electric repulsion. Two balls coated with conducting paint are suspended between three bells on a stand which is connected to the Van de Graaff generator. A ball strikes one bell and obtains that charge; it is then repelled by that bell and is attracted to the other one. The ball strikes the other bell, is discharged and obtains the charge of the bell it just struck, thus being repelled again. This sequence soon becomes very rapid and the ball begins to bounce from one bell to the other, ringing the bell.​

Setup:

Place the Van de Graaff and the bells apparatus on the lab table. Connect the Van de Graaff and the bells apparatus with the banana cable to ground them. Tape the red connecting wire to the sphere of the Van de Graaff.

Turn on the Van de Graaff and increase the motor speed. The bells should begin to ring.

Notes:

None

Courses Used In:

• PHY 10320

• PHY 20435

• PHY 30220

Discussion and Polling Questions:

Coming Soon

Equipment Needed:

• Van de Graaff Generator

• Bells Apparatus

• One Banana Cable

• Connecting Wire