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Question

Explain the construction and working of Van-de-Graff generator. State its uses.

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Solution

Van-de-Graff generator: It is a machine which produces electricity of about 107 or more potential difference.
(a) Construction: It consists of a large metallic sphere S mounted on high insulating support PP about 15 on high. An endless insulating belt made up of rubber or silk passes over the pulleys P1 and P2. A machine rotates P1, C1 and C2 are two metallic combs called spray comb and collecting comb respectively. C1 is connected to the positive terminal of a high tension battery while C2 is connected to S. To prevent the leakage of charge the generator is put inside the large enclosed filled with gas at 15 atmospheric pressure. This iron enclosure is connected to earth.
(b) Working: The comb C1 is connected to the positive terminal of the battery, therefore the surface density of the point becomes very high which causes wind charges on the belt. The collecting comb C2 is induced negative charge and outer surface of sphere positive charge. The negative charge wind of C2, cancel the positive charge of the belt. Thus, by the repeated actions more and more positive charge is induced on sphere, hence its potential increases to about 107 volt or more.
Uses:
(i) To generate high voltage.
(ii) To accelerate α particles, protons and dentrons etc in nuclear disintegration.
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