Physics Multiple Choice Questions on “Van de Graff Generator”.
1. What is the use of a Van de Graff generator?
a) Van de Graff generator is used to create a large amount of current
b) Van de Graff generator is used to create a small amount of voltage
c) Van de Graff generator is used to create a large amount of static electricity
d) Van de Graff generator is used to create a small amount of resistance
Answer: c
Clarification: Van de Graff generator is used to create a large amount of static electricity. A Van de Graff generator uses static electricity and a moving belt to charge a large metal sphere to a very high voltage. As the belt moves, electrons move from the rubber belt to the silicon roller, causing the belt to become positively charged and the roller to become negatively charged. As a result, it builds up positive charge.
2. Find the true statement.
a) A Van de Graff generator produces large voltage and less current
b) A Van de Graff generators produces large resistance and less voltage
c) A Van de Graff generators produces large current and large resistance
d) A Van de Graff generators produces large current and less voltage
Answer: a
Clarification: A Van de Graff generators produces large voltage and less current. A Van de Graff generator is an electrostatic generator which creates very high electric potentials. It produces very high voltage direct current electricity at low current levels.
3. What is the order of potential difference built up by the Van de Graff generator?
a) Potential difference of the order of hundreds
b) Potential difference of the order of several million volts
c) Potential difference of the order of thousands
d) Potential difference of the order of tens
Answer: b
Clarification: A Van de Graff generator, by means of a moving belt and suitable brushes, transfers charge continuously to a large spherical conducting shell. As a result, a potential difference of the order of several million volts is built up and this can be used for accelerating charged particles.
4. A Van de Graff generator can kill a person.
a) True
b) False
Answer: b
Clarification: Van de Graff generators typically produce a very small amount of current, i.e. the current produced is in microamperes. Therefore, an accidental shock from a Van de Graff generator may be startling and it may be painful, but it will not cause serious harm to most individuals, let alone kill, even at a high voltages.
5. When was Van de Graff generator invented and by whom?
a) 1944, Robin Van de Graff
b) 1932, Robert Van de Graff
c) 1933, Robin Van de Graff
d) 1933, Robert Van de Graff
Answer: d
Clarification: Van de Graff generator was invented by Robert Jemison Van de Graff on November 28, 1933. Robert Jemison invented the Van de Graff generator, which is a kind of high-voltage electrostatic generator that accelerates particles, while he was doing his PhD in Princeton University.