Question

An efficient Van de Graff generator has a rounded terminal because it :

• A. maximizes the electric field around it
• B. minimizes the electric field around it
• C. disrupts the electric field around it
• D. shields it from the electric field around it

Answer 1

The correct option is B minimizes the electric field around it

A Van de Graff generator terminal has a rounded terminal in order to minimize the electric field around it, allowing greater potentials to be achieved without ionisation of the air, or other dielectric gas, surrounding.