What Are Some Engaging Vandergraph Generator Demos for Grade 9 Students?

[qwexor]

Hey guys,

I need to know if anyone knows of any cool demos to do with a vandergraph generator. It is for a grd 9 level class. So far I have pie plates on top of it, bubbles, just holding it to make your hair stand up. The one that I would really want to know how to do is getting a long chain of people holding hands and one touching the generator. I know that you can make them all get a shock, but am not quite sure how this is done. If anyone could give a description that would be great! Thanks!

 

[Gokul43201]

http://www.amasci.com/emotor/vdgdemo.html

http://www.science-house.org/learn/vdgraaf.html

There's a related demo involving the holding hands thingy here : http://van.hep.uiuc.edu/van/demos/Plasma%20Ball/Plasma%20Ball.htm

 

[charng]

Hello,

The Vandergraph generator is a great tool for demonstrating static electricity and its effects. Some other fun demos you could try with a Vandergraph generator include:

1. Lightning in a Bottle - Use a clear plastic bottle filled with water and a few drops of food coloring. Hold the bottle near the generator and watch as the water moves and the food coloring spreads, simulating a lightning storm inside the bottle.

2. Flying Tinsel - Place a small piece of tinsel on top of the generator and watch as it flies up and sticks to the dome. This demonstrates the attraction between opposite charges.

3. Dancing Salt and Pepper - Sprinkle some salt and pepper onto a piece of paper and hold it near the generator. The pepper will be repelled, while the salt will be attracted to the generator, creating a cool dance effect.

As for the long chain of people holding hands and getting a shock, this can be achieved by having one person touch the generator while the others hold hands in a line. The person touching the generator becomes "charged" and when they touch the first person in the line, the charge is transferred to them. This continues down the line until the last person in the chain feels the shock. This demonstrates how electricity can be transferred through conductive materials.

I hope these ideas help and have fun with your demos!