Van De Graaff Questions


  1. Who invented the Van de Graaf generator and where did he invent it?
  2. Describe what happens inside a Van de Graaf generator in terms of electron movement.
  3. What does it mean to say something is grounded? Why does a Van de Graaf generator have to be connected to the ground?
  4. Explain the meaning of the term static electricity.
  5. Why does a person's hair stand on end when they are ungrounded and connected to a Van de Graaff generator?
  6. In our diagrams why do we only show negative charges moving?
  7. Explain how a Van de Graaf could be used to charge an object via conduction?
  8. Explain how a Van de Graaf could be used to polarize an object? 
  9. Explain how a Van de Graaf could be used to charge an object via induction?
  10. What was your favorite part of playing with the Van de Graaf today?