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Introduction
Van de Graaff generator is a device that can create insulating effects in a conductor and ensure a high amount of insulation and high potential in various objects.
This chapter will include discussions to define the Van de Graaff generator. It will explain the various uses and Working principles of the Van de Graaff generator and the applications. Let’s begin this chapter by understanding the basic concept of the Van de Graaff generator and energy in detail.
Van de Graaff generator works on static electricity principle, So before discussing Van de Graaff generator, we will look into static electricity.
Define Static Electricity
Static electricity is the electric charge that builds up only on the surface of substances or materials. Until these charges are discharged or grounded, they remain static. The primary reason why static electricity is formed is due to fiction. Every time the negative and the positive charges are separated, it gives rise to a phenomenon known as static electricity.
Difference Between Current Electricity and Static Electricity
Below, we have highlighted the difference between Current Electricity and static electricity in a tabular form to help you understand these in detail. Let’s have a look.
Current Electricity | Static Electricity |
Current electricity can be defined as the total time electrons flow from one circuit point. I donate the current electricity. | Static electricity is the electric charge that builds up only on the surface of substances or materials. |
Batteries and power plants are the primary reasons for generating the current electricity. | Every time an object is rubbed against one another, it tends to transfer charge resulting in the development of static electricity. |
Current Electricity can be controlled | Static Electricity cannot be controlled |
The most prominent example of current electricity is the electronic devices that require electricity. | Every time you touch a doorknob and experience sudden shock is static electricity. |
Define Van de Graaff generator
The Van de Graaff generator is a device commonly known as the electrostatic generator, typically used to ensure a proper building of the extremely high Potential Differences. These differences are further made with a few million potential differences. Usually, the recent divides hold almost five megavolts. In addition, the Van de Graaff generator was designed and constructed by the researcher Robert Jemison Van de Graff, that too in the year 1929 A.D.
Also, there is a special thing to witness if you touch the generator while standing on an insulated platform. The charge present in the generator will transfer in your body, which will result in the charge activated hair. When transmitted in the hair, the charge starts to repel from each other.
The Van de Graaff generator is a device that helps create an insulating force on the outer surface of the device. Also, the acceleration and presence of atoms are witnessed, where the subatomic particles are exposed to high-speed acceleration and are further smashed into target atoms.
Explain the various uses of the Van de Graaff generator
The Van de Graaff generator applications can be witnessed in the Particles accelerators. The Van de Graaff generator provides a huge energy supply. However, this evacuation further ensures the cracking of the particles into the atom.
The Van de Graaff generator applications additionally can create a high amount of energy collisions, which is also known as the cornerstone of the particles. It can also be used to create the acceleration in the protons, ions, and electrons to possess a fast movement. In nuclear physics, there are also several uses of this acceleration. Also, it can be used to produce the x-ray beams that are seen in the medicine and research of nuclear energy.
The other various Van de Graaff generator applications are listed below:
- Sterilising Food- It can sterilise the food by accelerating the process material so that the food you get is well sterilised and pure.
- Science Education- These are also used in teaching for educational purposes.
Conclusion
Van de Graaff generator is a critical topic of the chapter and syllabus of Physics and NEET. These are some brief studies, including the defining Van de Graaff generator. Also, with the above points, it is clear that it produces energy by continuously moving the two plates.
