Van de Graaff Generator

We use a Van de Graaff generator to investigate static electricity. The generator is turned on and we see a spark move between the two domes. We then place a wig on the main dome and see the hair rise as the charge builds and the hairs repel each other. Then a stack of metal dishes is placed on the dome and when the Van de Graaff generator is turned on they fly off one by one.

Physics - Electricity And Circuits - Learning Points.
Like charges repel and unlike charges attract.
Electric charge can move through a conductor.
Friction can create unbalanced charges by moving electrons from one material to another.
The Van de Graaff generator has a continuous electron removal belt that can give the top dome a very strong positive charge.
As the charge on the top dome becomes more positive, it is said to have a higher voltage with respect to its surroundings.
This means that the charge on the dome has a higher electrical energy.

A Twig Experiment Film.
Let students experience real experiments in lab conditions anywhere, from setup, method all the way through to analysis and real-world application.