Van de Graaff Pie Pans

This demonstration shows electrostatic repulsion. Aluminum pie plates are stacked on top of the Van de Graaff generator. As the plates become charged, static electric repulsion will push the top plate off the stack, causing it to fly through the air. The next plates will follow suit with only a second or so between each plate.

* 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 equipment on the lab table.Put the pie pans upside down on top of the Van de Graaff Generator. Turn on the generator and increase the motor speed using the dial. The pie pans will fly off. Turn off the generator and discharge the top sphere using the discharge sphere.

Notes:

None

Courses Used In:

  • PHY 10320

  • PHY 20435

  • PHY 30220

Discussion and Polling Questions:

Coming Soon

Equipment Needed:

  • Van de Graaff Generator

  • Pie Pans