Van de Graaff generator

American  

[van duh graf jen-uh-rey-ter] / ˈvæn də ˌgræf ˈdʒɛn əˌreɪ tər /

noun

Physics, Electricity.

1. a device for producing high-voltage static electricity.

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Van de Graaff generator British  

/ ˈvæn də ˌɡrɑːf /

noun

1. a device for producing high electrostatic potentials (up to 15 million volts), consisting of a hollow metal sphere on which a charge is accumulated from a continuous moving belt of insulating material: used in particle accelerators

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Van de Graaff generator Scientific  

1. A type of electrostatic generator used to build up static electrical charge of very high voltages by transferring electric charge from a power supply to a spherical metal terminal. A high-voltage source transfers charge to a nonconducting conveyor belt, usually made of silk or rubber, which continuously redeposits the charge on the insulated metal terminal, where it accumulates. Even small Van de Graaff generators can accumulate a static charge of 100,000 volts; the largest, up to 10 million volts.

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Etymology

Origin of Van de Graaff generator

1935–40; named after R. J. Van de Graaff (1901–66), American physicist

Example Sentences

And the answers may surprise you - a Van de Graaff generator and a theremin.

From BBC • May 10, 2026

A Van de Graaff generator used for nuclear research can produce a current of pure positive charges, such as protons.

From Textbooks • Aug. 12, 2015

In addition to research using equipment such as a Van de Graaff generator, many practical applications of electrostatics exist, including photocopiers, laser printers, ink-jet printers and electrostatic air filters.

From Textbooks • Aug. 12, 2015

Figure 18.6 When this person touches a Van de Graaff generator, she receives an excess of positive charge, causing her hair to stand on end.

From Textbooks • Aug. 12, 2015

Credit: How to Tame Lightning Who at school didn't like to play with a Van de Graaff generator?

From Science Magazine • Dec. 22, 2011