Draw a labeled diagram of a Van de Graff generator and explain its working.
Working: The spraying comb B1 is given a high positive potential. Due to discharging action of sharp points, a positively charged electric wind is set up which sprays + ve charge on portion of belt in its neighborhood
As the belt moves, it carriers the charge upward. As it passes close to collecting comb B2, a negative charge is induced on its sharp ends and an equal +ve charge is induced on the farther end of B2. The negative charge of comb is discharged due to action of sharp points and is neutralizes the belt too. However, +ve charge induced on farther end of comb B2 is immediately transferred to spherical shell S.
The whole process is repeated again and again and in the process the electric potential of spherical shell may rise to several million volts.