The Van de Graaff Generator: Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a Van de Graaff ge

Question

The Van de Graaff Generator: Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a Van de Graaff generator. The high voltage terminal T is spherical in shape and is supported on an insulating column C Charge is conveyed to it by an endless belt B running between upper and lower pulleys P, and P2. The upper pulley is situated in the field-free space inside the metal terminal. Similarly, the lower pulley is located inside a grounded metal box. Charge is sprayed on the belt by the lower Fig. corona points S2 and is then removed by the upper points S located inside the terminal. An essential feature is that belt charging and charge removal are accomplished within field-free spaces. These functions are then independent of the potential difference that may exist between the higlh voltage terminal and ground. The Van de Graaff used in this lab is a small commercial model.

Explanation / Answer

Afte connecting the one needle to the ground and the other to the terminal, a potential difference is created across the tube. The resultant electric field gives charge to the ions present in the smoke and these charged ions get attracted to either of the needles due to Coulomb interaction and get collected there. This is the reason behind precipitation of the smoke.

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