20-09-2014, 01:57 PM
Abstracts: The Van de Graff generator was invented by Robert Jamison Van de Graff, in the USA, by 1929, with the objective of generating high voltages for experiments in nuclear physics. Ancient electrostatic machines can be traced to the 1800's or before. The classical machine consists in a motorized insulating belt that transports charge to a hollow terminal. Inside the terminal the charge is collected by a comb close to the belt and transferred to the exterior surface of the terminal by the Faraday Effect. Charges are sprayed over the belt surface by another comb that is below, connected to an electronic DC high-voltage supply (motor). Guides and hints about the safe use of it in the classroom will be presented.