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Question 01: For an n-stage cascade circuit, why can’t we reach 2nVmax at the output when the circuit is
loaded?
Ans. For an n-stage cascade circuit, we can’t reach 2nVmax at the output when the circuit
is loaded for mainly two reasons.
• Firstly, the capacitors of the smoothing column losses charge while supplying to the load. Hence,
there is a ripple (δV) in the output current. This ripple is also higher than what would have been
achieved if these capacitors didn’t have to charge the oscillating column.
• Secondly, the capacitors of the oscillating column have to replenish the charge lost by those in the
smoothing column in supplying the load. So, our previous assumption that these capacitors
(oscillating column) were not discharged is not correct. Therefore, we have a voltage drop (ΔV).
Question 02: Propose a solution to reduce the voltage drop in an n-stage cascade circuit.
Ans. One of the solutions to reduce the voltage drop in an n-stage cascade circuit is to double the size of
the lowest capacitor in the oscillating column (Cn), which is only subject to Vmax, as opposed to others which
are subject to 2Vmax. In this way, it will be able to store twice the charge than before and will aid in reducing
the voltage drop. At each stage, the voltage drop reduces by (nq/2C). So, total reduction will be n times.
Question 03: Describe very briefly the operation of a Van de Graaff generator with schematic.
Ans. The operation of a Van de Graff generator is described briefly below:

Fig 01: Schematics of Van de Graff generator

The generator has a rubber belt that runs vertically (up and down) between two rollers. Suppose we choose
the lower roller is ABS plastic and the upper roller is nylon considering the triboelectric series. A metal bar
or "comb" is attached close to but not touching the belt at each roller. The belt assembly is enclosed in a
clear plastic column that connects and insulates the base and dome. An electric motor in the base of the
generator rotates the bottom roller which makes the belt turn on the rollers. As the motor turns, it moves
the rubber belt which rubs against the rollers.
The simplest way to think of a Van de Graaff generator is as an electric charge separator. As the motor
turns, it moves the rubber belt which rubs against the rollers. As the belt rubs over the ABS lower roller
(1), a negative charge develops (electrons collect) on the lower roller and a positive charge is produced on
the part of the belt moving up. This is because rubber is higher in the triboelectric series than ABS and
therefore rubber develops a positive charge while ABS develops a negative charge when the two are rubbed
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together. The positively charged rubber belt then rubs over the nylon upper roller (2), which develops a
positive charge on the upper roller and a negative charge is produced on the part of the belt moving down.
In this case, nylon is higher in the triboelectric series than rubber. As the generator continues to operate,
electrons build on the lower roller increasing the negative charge. Then these electrons are transferred from
the lower roller to the lower comb (3) and directed to the ground connection (6). At the same time, the
positive charge building on the upper roller begins to attract electrons from the steel dome (5) through the
upper comb (4). As this occurs, the dome builds a strong positive charge and these electrons are transferred
onto the belt going to the lower roller. The positive charges continue to build on the dome and spread out
uniformly, because like charges repel.
Question 04: Based on the triboelectric series provided in the previous slide, what would happen if:
a. Lower roller material = silicon, upper roller material = Teflon and belt material = cotton
b. Lower roller material = Teflon, upper roller material = glass, belt material = cotton

Ans. Based on the triboelectric series, the probable event that may happen for both of the cases are described
below:

Fig 02: Triboelectric Series

For the first case,

Lower roller material = Silicon,
Upper roller material = Teflon,
and Belt material = Cotton
The lower roller is made of Silicon which exists along the negative portion of the Triboelectric Series. So,
it has more tendency to accept electrons and becoming negatively charged. The Belt is made of Cotton,
which is present along the positive portion of the Triboelectric Series which means it has a better tendency
to release electrons and become positively charged. And the upper roller is made of Teflon which is the
lowermost element in the negative portion of the Triboelectric Series and thus has the most tendency of
accepting electrons and becoming negatively charged.
In the Lower portion, the lower roller (1) gets negative after the friction with the belt, when the generator
starts moving. And the belt (2) becomes positively charged.
In the upper portion, the upper roller (3) gets negatively charged when comes in contact with the positively
charged belt by accepting the electrons from the belt. Then the negatively charged upper roller releases
electrons to the metal dome through the upper collector. The negative charges continue to build on the dome
and the dome stores negative charge.
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For the second case,

Lower roller material = Teflon,
Upper roller material = Glass,
and Belt material = Cotton
The lower roller is made of Teflon which exists along the negative portion of the Triboelectric Series. So,
it has more tendency to accept electrons and becoming negatively charged. The Belt is made of Cotton,
which is present along the positive portion of the Triboelectric Series which means it has a better tendency
to release electrons and become positively charged. And the upper roller is made of Glass which is along
the positive portion of the Triboelectric Series and thus has more tendency of releasing electrons and
becoming positively charged.
In the Lower portion, the lower roller (1) gets negative after the friction with the belt, when the generator
starts moving. And the belt (2) becomes positively charged.
In the upper portion, the upper roller (3) gets positively charged when comes in contact with the positively
charged belt by releasing electrons to the belt, as the Glass made upper roller has a higher position than the
Cotton made belt in the Triboelectric series. Then the positively charged upper roller accepts electrons from
the metal dome through the upper collector. The positive charges continue to build on the dome and the
dome stores positive charges.

Question 05: While operating the Van de Graff generator at your lab, you observe that voltage is not being
built up to the desired level. What might be some possible reasons behind this?

Ans. While operating the Van de Graaff generator at lab, it may be observed that voltage is not being built
up to the desired level. Some possible reasons behind this might be
• Humid Air Condition: The moisture in humid air makes the air a better conductor, which increases
the electron flow from the air to the dome. This prevents the dome from building high voltages. So,
a drier air condition is required for generating more voltage on the dome.
• Presence of dust and dirt particles over the dome: Dust and dirt particles on the dome create
distinct points that help break the resistance to electron flow between the air and the dome. This
results in a "leaking" of neutralizing electrons from the air to the dome and limits voltage potential
of the dome.
Question 06: What would happen if you operate your Van de Graaff generator on a rainy day?
Ans. Because the water vapor in the air carries the charge away. Dry air is pretty decent insulator but the
more water vapor that is present on a rainy day, the greater the conductivity. This decreases the charge the
Van de Graff generator can store. So, the more humidity, the greater is the leak, and finally the lower is the
charge.

As a result, low voltage will be generated at the dome.

Question 07: For building up higher potential, should you use a larger or smaller dome? Give reasons
for your answer?

Ans. For building up higher potential, a larger dome is needed to be used. A larger dome is able to store
more charge and eventually more voltage will be generated. And a higher potential will be built.

Question 08: Mention some methods to increase the voltage that’s built up on the dome.

Ans. Some methods to increase the voltage that’s built up on the dome are mentioned below:
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• Use of a larger dome: A larger dome is able to store more charge and eventually more voltage will
be generated. And a higher potential will be built.

• Less Humid or drier air condition: The moisture in humid air makes the air a better conductor,
which increases the electron flow from the air to the dome. This prevents the dome from building
high voltages. So, a drier air condition is required for generating more voltage on the dome.

• Dust and dirt particles free dome: Dust and dirt particles on the dome create distinct points that
help break the resistance to electron flow between the air and the dome. This results in a "leaking"
of neutralizing electrons from the air to the dome and limits voltage potential of the dome.

Question 09: When you stand on a plastic chair or some proper insulating object and touch the running
Van de Graff generator, your hair stands up. Why?

Ans. When we stand on a plastic chair or some proper insulating object and touch the running
Van de Graff generator, our hair stands up. Because while being in contact with the running generator
causes the positive charges built up in the storage dome to be transferred to your body. Once those charges
are on your body, they will try to get as far away from each other as possible (like charges repel) causing
the hair on your head to stand on end.

Question 10: When you walk on a floor mat on a dry day and touch the metal door knob afterwards, you
might get a shock. Can you relate it to any of the mechanisms discussed in today’s class (Class-4: Van de
Graff generator explanation)? If so, explain briefly.

Ans. The mechanism that causes the event of shock, when someone walks on a floor mat on a dry day and
touch the metal door is called the Triboelectric Effect.
Most objects have an equal positive (+) and negative (-) electrical charge, which makes them electrically
neutral. Objects acquire an electrical charge by collecting or giving up electrons. Electrons are subatomic
particles with a negative charge that are a normal part of all matter. An object that collects electrons
develops a negative charge while an object that gives up electrons develops a positive charge.
Any electrically charged object produces an electric field which attracts oppositely charged objects (e.g. a
positively charged object attracts negatively charged objects) and repels similar charged objects (e.g. a
positively charged object repels other positively charged objects).
Electrical current flows when oppositely charged objects are connected together with a good conductor like
a copper wire. Electrons flow from the negative charged object to the positive charged object. Electrical
current can also flow from an object with very high negative charge to a second object that is less negatively
charged. If the difference in electric charge is great enough, the current can even flow through a poor
conductor like air.
This is what happens when someone walks on a floor mat on a dry day and touch the metal door. On a dry
day, the person becomes positively charged after walking on the mat. Later on when he touches the metal
knob he discharges negative electrons from the metal and an Electric field is created. And eventually
electrical current flows causing the event of shock to occur.