Van de Graaff Generator

The Van de Graaff generator is a completely self-contained high voltage generator which operates on 105-125 volts AC or DC. The voltages present are harmless due to the very small current that can be drawn. In fact, the entire output of the machine may be safely discharged to the hand.

Charge is scraped off the belt running up the tube in the center of the machine and distributed onto the metal sphere on top. The sphere will discharge and ground to nearby objects. In order to prevent unexpected shocks, the sphere should always be discharged using the discharge sphere.

* 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. Be sure to connect the discharge sphere.Plug in the Van de Graaff Generator and increase the motor speed using the dial on the front. Bring the discharge sphere near the main sphere to see the sphere discharge.

Once the machine is turned off, discharge the sphere again.