Question

What is a Van der Graaf generator?

Answer 1

A Van de Graaf generator uses a belt on the inside of the device to create a large static charge.

Explanation:

The Van de Graaf generator uses a belt which rubs against a comb (see 2) to remove electrons from the upper metal dome of the generator. This creates a positive charge on the metal sphere on the top. The electrons are passed to a metal wand (8) which becomes negatively charged.

Placing the wand near the sphere on top will allow the static electricity to be discharged.

Hope this helps!