Chapter -12(Section-2)

Electrostatics

INTRODUCTION:

1. It is the branch of physics which deals with study of stationary electric

charges is called as
electrostatics.
2. The electricity developed on the body, when they are rubbed with each other is
called as frictional
electricity.
3. An electric charge produces electric field in the surrounding space .The concept
of lines of force is
introduced by Michael Faraday.
4. The path along with a free positive charge moves when placed in the electric
field is called as
lines of force.
5. Tube of force: - Consider very small surface area of the conductor, draw lines
of force from the
boundary of his area. These lines of force will form the tube line structure,
called as tube of force. It
has same properties as those lines of force. The tubular region in an electric
field bounded by the
lines of force is called as tube of force. The number of tube of force originated
from unit positive
charge is
..
..
=
..
.. ..
the member of tube of force originated from charge +q =
..
..
=
..
......
these tube of
force directed radially outward.
6. Electric field: - The number of tubes of force passing normally through unit
area of the sphere is
equal to electric field intensity =
..
..
........=
..
........
..
.... =..

Flux density: - The electric flux per unit area is called as flux density. It is
also called as electric field
intensity
7. Electric flux:- The total number of tubes of force passing normally through this
area is called electric
flux, denoted.
 ................ ........=..........................

..=.......

If the area is not perpendicular to the direction of electric intensity then the
component .......... is
perpendicular to the area ds then electric flux can be written as

..=...... ........=.......

The electric flux through the entered surface is

=....... ........
S.I. unit of electric flux is volt meter

Case I: when area is perpendicular to electric intensity

Electric intensity= ..=.......

..=...... ........

In this case . = 0

cos . = 1

.. ......=......

Case II: when area is parallel to electric intensity

 Electric intensity= ..=.......

..=...... ........

In this case . = 90o

cos . = 0

.. =..

8. Tube of induction: - If only one tube of force is originates from a positive

charge. Whatever may be
nature of the surrounding medium, such a tube is called as tube of induction. The
number of tube
of induction originates from charge q is equal to q.
9. N.E.I. (normal electric induction):-The number of tubes of induction passing
normally through
area drawn around a point in the electric field is called as normal electric
induction. Suppose that
+q be the charge is placed at the point O in the medium of
.

D:\My Documents\My Pictures\13.2.bmp

Permittivity ..=.... imagine a sphere of radius r around a charge E is the electric
intensity
perpendicular to the surface of the sphere, which is radically outward
........
=
............ .... ........ .... .................. .................... ........ ..
.......... ..
........

N......=
..
........

Multiplying & dividing by ..

 .........=..
..
......
..
....= ....

N.E.I. = permittivity x electric intensity. Total normal electric

induction:- It is define as the total number of tubes of induction passing normally
thro ugh that
area. If ds be the area perpendicular to the direction of electric intensity
then ............= ....
.... if the area is not perpendicular to E then its the component .......... is
perpendicular to the area
ds then

.................... ....=................
. .................... .......... ..............=.................

Solid angle (....):- The angle suspended the area ds at the centre of the sphere is
called as solid angle
....=
....
....
=
........ .... ...... ............
....
=
........
....=....

Que .1 State and prove Gausss theorem in electrostatics.

Ans:-

Gauss theorem: - for a closed surface of any shape, with any number of charges
situated, in the any
position inside it, the total normal electric induction over the closed surface is
equal to the algebraic
sum of the electric charges enclosed by the surface.
.................... ...... ............ ..............=S....=..
..
..=..
Proof:- 1. Suppose a charge +..1 is situated inside the
closed surface at a point O. consider a small area ds around the point P, at a
distance of r from the
charge ..1. The electric field at the point P due to the charge q is

2. The electric field at the point P due to the charge ..1 is

..=
..
......
q1
.... .

Where,
..=...................... .... ...... .................
..=.......... .............. ..& ............

3.................. ...... ........ ....

= ................
=..
..
......
....
.... ............

=
....
....
{.... ........}
....

=
....
....
....

.......... .... =
{.... ........}
....

is the solid angle subtended at the charge ..1 by the area ds . The total normal
electric induction due to
charge q over the closed surface can be given as
4..................... ............ ..............

=.
....
....
....=
....
....
.....

..... =4.. =toal solid angle subtended by the charge with the closed surface
5...................... ............ ..............
=
....
....
....
=....

Note:- If the charge is positive, the T.N.E.I. over the surface is directed
outward. It charges is negative,
the T.N.E.I. directed inward. If the closed surface encloses n number of
charges ..1,..2,..3--.... then
.................... ...... ............ ..............

=....+....+ --....

=S....=..
..
..=..

Applications of gauss theorem

Que 2: find the expression for electric intensity at a point outside a charge
sphere

Ans:
1. Consider a charge sphere A of radius R on which a charge +q is deposited.
Because of spherical
symmetry the charge is distributed uniformly over the sphere.
2. In order to find the electric field intensity at a point P, at a distance of r
from the centre of the
sphere, lets draw a Gaussian sphere B of radius r concentric to the sphere A. This
sphere A
encloses the charge q. The electric field at a every point on the sphere B is same
& it is
perpendicular to the surface, as shown in fig. a let ds be the small area around
the point P.
3. The ,T.N.E.I. over the small area ds

............= ................

Since electric intensity is normal to the surface, ..=.... ..........=..

T.N.E.T. over the area ds= ........

. .................... ...... ............ ..
=.........=.........
.....=.......... ............ ........ .... ............ ..

Since .....=........
..................... ............ ..=............--(..)

According to gausss theorem, T.N.E.I. over the sphere B = total charge enclosed=q

..................... ............ ..=..----(2)

From equations (1) & (2) we have

............=..
. ..=
..
......
..
.... .......... ..=......
. ..=
..
........ ..
..
....

This is an expression for electric intensity outside the charge sphere.

Remark:-
Electric field intensity at a point outside a charge conducting sphere in term of
surface charge density.

let . be the surface charge density of sphere A ,

..=
..
..
..=
..
........
...=..........

Therefore equation of electric field intensity can be written as

. ..=
..
......
..........
....
. ..=
......
......

If r=R Then equation become

. ..=
..
..
=
..
......

Q.3: Obtain an expression for electric field intensity due to charged cylinder
------- (3)

Ans: Electric field intensity at a point outside the charge cylinder:

1. Consider a charged cylinder A of radius R. let +q be the charge per unit length
uniformly deposited.
To find electric field intensity at the point P at a distance of r from the axis of
the cylinder A.
2. Construct an imaginary Gaussian cylinder B of radius r, concentric with the
cylinder A. This
Gaussian cylinder B encloses the charge; magnitude of electric intensity at all
point of the curved
surface of cylinder B will be same.
3. Lets draw small area ds around the point P. The electric field intensity E at
the point P will be given
as...
4. T.N.E.T. over the area ds= ........ ........ since electric intensity is normal
to the surface,

..=.... ..........=.. T.N.E.T. over the area ds= ........

. .................... ...... ................ ..

=......... =.........

But .....=.......... ........ .... ............ ..

If .. be the length of the cylinder B then

.....=........

. .................... ...... ................ ..=............

. .................... ...... ............ ..=............ (1)

5. According to Gauss theorem T.N.E.I. over the cylinder B=Total charge enclosed by
the surface If ..
length of the cylinder then total charge ..=....

. .................... ...... ............ ..=....--(..)

From equation (1) & (2) we get

............ =....
. ..=
..
......
..
..

As ..=.... .. we have

..=
..
........ ..
..
..
This is an expression for the electric field intensity due to charged cylinder.
Case I: If point P lies on the surface of cylinder A then r=R
..=
..
......
..
..

case II : If the point p lies inside charge cylinder A then q=0

E=0

Q. 4: Determine the electric intensity near and outside the surface of a charge
conductor of any
shape.

Ans. Electric field intensity at a point near and outside the surface of a charge
conductor of any
shape :-

1. Consider a charge conductor of any shape situated in the medium of

permittivity ..,...... .. be the
surface chare density which is uniformly deposited on its surface.
2. Lets consider the enclosed surface form by the cylinder of small area of cross
section ds, such that
one end is inside the conductor & other end is outside the conductor.
3. The cylinder enclosed the area ds around the point P since

..=
..
........
=
..
....

..=.. ....

According to gausss theorem

.................... ...... ........ ....=..
= .. .....(..)

4. E is the electric field which perpendicular to the surface of a conductor i.e.

in the direction of the
normal

. ..=.... & ........=.. T.N.E.I. over the closed cylinder over the end face inside
the conductor
is zero, as E is zero there, the T.N.E.I passing through its one end outside the
conductor is given as.

T.N.E.T. over the area ds= ........ ........

Since ..........=.. we have

T.N.E.T. over the area ds= ........-(..)

Comparing (1) & (2) we have

........ = .. ....

. ..=
..
..

..=
..
......
This is an expression for E for the conductor of any shape.

Q. 5: Determine the electric intensity due to uniformly charged infinite plane

sheet

Ans:

i. Consider a uniformly charge thin infinite plane sheet. ...... .. be the surface
chare density sheet.
ii. By symmetry electric field is perpendicular to plane sheet and directed
outwards. Electric field
intensity has same magnitude at a given distance on the either sides of sheet.
iii. To find electric intensity at a point due to uniform charged infinite thin
plane sheet, Lets consider
the enclosed surface form by the cylinder of small area of cross section ds, around
P with its axis
perpendicular to plane sheet.
iv. The cylinder enclosed the area ds around the point P on both side of plane thin
uniform sheet .

..=
..
........
=
..
....

..=.. ....

According to gausss theorem

.................... ...... ........ ....=..
= .. .....(..)

v. E is the electric field which perpendicular to the surface of a conductor i.e.

in the direction of the
normal

. ..=.... & ........=.. T.N.E.I. over the closed cylinder over the end face only,
it is parallel to
the curved surface of Gaussian cylinder

T.N.E.T. over Gaussian surface = .......... ........

Since ..........=.. we have

T.N.E.T. = ..........-(..)

Comparing (1) & (2) we have

.......... = .. ....

. ..=
..
....

This is an expression for electric field intensity at a point outside uniformly

charged thin plane sheet.

Q.6: Drive an expression for the mechanical force per unit area of charge
conductor --- (4) marks

Ans : Mechanical force on the unit area of the charge conductor:-

1. Consider a charge conductor of any shape situated in the medium of permittivity
.. ...... ...... .. be the surface chare density which is uniformly deposited on
its surface.
2. Lets consider the enclosed surface form by the cylinder of small area of cross
section ds , ..=
..
........
=
..
....

..=.. .... Where ds be the small area of the charge conductor.

The electric field intensity at appoint just outside the conductor is

..=
..
..
------- (1)

3. The direction of the electric field intensity is normal to the surface of the
conductor& pointing
outwards.

The intensity can be made of two parts

(a) E1 is due the charge on the area ds directed toward both the side of ds.

(b) E2 is due to the charge on the remaining part of the conductor.

4. Since the directions of E1 & E2 area same at the point P outside the conductor &
are directed
normally outwards we can write

..=....+....

. ....+....=
..
..
---------- (2)

5. For a point Q, just inside the conductor the resultant intensity at any point
inside the conductor
is zero.

.....-....=..
. ....=......(..)
 Form equation (1) and (2)

.....=....=
..
....
--(..)

6. According to the definition of the surface charge density, charge on the area
ds=...... the
mechanical force acting on the area ds, placed in the electric field E2 is given as

..........=............ .... .................... .......... ....

.. = ..........

..= ......
..
....

..=
........
....

........... ...... ........ ........ =

..
....

..=
....
....

Since is ..=
..
..

..=....
. ..=
........
....
. ..=
..
..
......

This expression in term of dielectric constant as

. ..=
..
..
..........

This is an expression mechanical force per unit area of the charge conductor.
Que 7: Obtain an expression for energy density in electric field.
Energy density of the medium :-

i. Consider a charge conductor of ant shape situated in the medium of

permittivity ,

..=..0 .. ...... .. Be the surface chare density which is uniformly deposited on

its surface.

ii. Lets consider the enclosed surface form by the cylinder of small area of cross
section ds, such that
one end is inside the conductor & other end is outside the conductor.
iii. The cylinder enclosed the area ds around the point P since

..=
..
........
=
..
....
..=.. ....

iv. The force acting on the small area ds is given as

..=
........
....
Under the action of the force the area ds will move through a distance dx then work
done is given
as

....=.......... ........................
=......
. ..=
........
....
....
=
....(........)
....
....=........
=............ .......... .... ...... ........
. ....=........
....

This work done is stored in the form of potential energy.

....=........
....
v. The energy stored per unit volume is
....
....
=
....
....

The energy per unit volume is called as energy density is

.......... ..=
..
..
..=....
.
....
....
=
........
....
....
....
=
..
..
......=
..
..
..........
This is an expression for energy density.

If charge conductor is kept in air medium then energy density ,

....
....
=
..
..
........

(for air medium K=1)

DIELECTRICS AND POLARIZATION

Q.8 what do you mean by polar molecule and Non polar molecule.

Ans: An insulating material is called a dielectric e.g. glass, mica, paper etc. It
is so called because it
cannot conduct electric current but can transmit electric field.

Solid dielectric: Ceramic, glasses, plastics, rubber, mica, etc.

Liquid dielectric: Mineral oil, silicone oil, magnesia, etc.

Type of dielectrics :- we known that a molecule is a collection of atomic nuclei

(positive charged)
surrounded by a cloud of electron (negative charged) . Depending upon whether the
center of positive
and center of negative charge of molecule coincide or not, there are two types of
dielectrics
(a) Polar molecule A polar molecule is one in which center of gravity of positive
nuclei and revolving
electron do not coincide . Polar molecule has permanent electric dipole moment

E.g. HCl, H2O molecule, N2O molecule. Polar substances behave tiny electric dipole.

(b) Non Polar molecule

A non polar molecule is one in which center of gravity of positive nucleii and
revolving electrons
coincide. Non polar molecule does not have permanent electric
Behaviour of dielectric in external electric field:-

(i) Non polar dielectric in electric field:-In the absence of external electric
field the dipole moment of non
polar dielectric is zero.

When it is subjected to external electric field +ve charge of each molecule

shifted in the direction of
electric field while -ve charge is in opposite direction,

The molecule is said to polarized and the molecule of the material are said to be
have induced
dipole moment. the result is that is reduction of electric field within the
dielectric.

(ii) Polar dielectric in electric field: - In the absence of external electric

field the dipole moment of non
polar dielectric is zero.

When it is subjected to external electric field then , the partially aligned

dipole produce an internal
electric field that opposes the external field thereby causing a reduction of
electric field within the
dielectric.
 Polarization (P) is defined as dipole moment per unit volume and is given by
..=......

Where .... is electric susceptibility of dielectric material

Q.9: Explain the behavior of dielectric slab which is subjected to an external

electric field.

Ans: -Consider a thin slab of dielectric is placed in a uniform external electric

field. dielectric become
polarized ,when kept in an external field ,irrespective of the fact that dielectric
consists of polar
molecules or non polar molecules

In external electric field , Thus molecule are orient such that the negative charge
are on left and
positive charge on right .Net electric charge within dielectric is zero.

positive induced charge= negative induced charge

The charge so obtained on the surface of dielectric slab are called polarization
charges.
The induced surface charges (polarization charges)opposes external electric field
due original electric
field decreases.

Polarization may be defined as the amount of induced surface charge per unit area.
or Surface density
of polarization charge appearing at right angle to applied external electric field
........................=
....
..
=....

.... - Polarization charge

.... -Charge density of polarization charge

A -Area of cross section of dielectric

P is vector quantity and direction from negative induced charge to positive induced
charges
polarization has dimension of charge per unit area.

Assume continuously polarized dielectric the value of polarization P at any point

is defined as net
dipole moment (Ql) of small volume .v as .v.0
..=......
......
....
...

where Q= nq = Charge of all dipoles

n= number of dipoles per unit volume.

Ql = net dipole moment

If we put .v = Al
..=
.....
.....
=
..
..

P= charge per unit area.

Que 10: what is mean by the capacity of a conductor?

Ans: Capacity of a conductor:-:- The ability of a conductor to hold or store the

electric charge on it is
called as the capacity of conductor.

The capacity depends on

(i) The shape & size of the conductor

(ii) The presence of other charge placed near it.
(iii) Nature of the surrounding medium.

The charge given to the conductor is directly proportional to its potential.

..... . ..=....

. ..=
..
..
Where C is the capacity of the conductor. The S.I. unit of the capacity is
coulomb/volt,
called as farad (F)

. ............=
....
....

The capacity of the conductor is said to one farad if a charge of one coulomb is
raises its potential
by one volt.

Que.11: Explain the concept of condenser ----- (2) mark.

Ans: Concept of the condenser or capacitor:-

Definition: An arrangement of conductors used to increase the capacity of a

conductor without much
increase in its potential is called a capacitor or a condenser.

Principle :- the capacity of a charged conductor is increased if another conductor

connected toearth is
kept near it.

1. It consists of two metallic plates A & B separated by air or dielectric medium.

It +Q is the charge given to the plate A and its potential is V1 ,then its
capacity, ..=
..
..
-
---(..)

2. The plate B acquired Q charge on inner side& +Q charge acquired on outer

surface,

3. If V1 is the potential produced at the plate A due to the charge Q of the

plate B, the resultant
potential of the plate A becomes (V-V1). however , the charge on A remains the same
.

....=
..
..-....
----(....)

........ (..) & (....) ..1>.. In this way, the capacity of the arrangement is
increased.
Note:-

Type of condenser: - Depending on the geometrical shape of the conductors, the

condensers are
classified into three types

(1) Parallel plate condenser

(2) Spherical condenser

..=
..
..
=............ ,.......... ..=
..
........
..
..

(3) Cylindrical condenser

Que. 12: Obtain an expression for the capacity of parallel condenser .. (3 mark)

Ans: Capacity of a parallel plat condenser:-

1. Consider the parallel plate condenser consists of two plates P1& P2 separated by
a small distances
d. Let A be the area of each plate. Suppose medium between the plates is air.

2. Suppose +Q is the charge given to the plate P1 and plate P2 is the earthed. The
charge +Q on P1
induce the charge Q on the inner surface of P2.
3. According to gausss theorem, electric intensity near a charged conductor

..=
..
....
..(i)

where .. ..s the surface charge density on the plate P1

...... ..=
..
..
. (ii)
so equation (i)become
The electric intensity between the two plates is
 . ..=
..
......
As Eis uniform since the plates are closed to each other , the P.D. between the
plates V=Ed
..=
....
......
..(......)
The capacity of the condenser,..=
..
..
. ..=
..
....
......
...=
......
..

This is the expression for the capacity of a parallel plate condenser with air
medium.

Que 13: How will you increase the capacity of a parallel plate condenser by
introducing dielectric
medium?

Effect of dielectric on the capacity:-

1. When dielectric is introduced between two parallel plate condensers, then the
potential difference
between two plate decreases by k times.
2. The new potential V=
..
..
but ..=
....
......

..'=
....
.. .... K

The new capacity

..'=
..
..'

...'=
........
..
..'=....

On introducing the dielectric, the capacity increases by k times.

When a dielectric is inserted in the space between parallel plates of charged
capacitor, the surface
charge on conducting plates does not change density on plates of capacitor .

Let .-be the surface charge density of on plates of capacitor.

.i - be the surface charge density of induced charge of induced surface charge .

Hence the net surface charge density on each side of capacitor has a magnitude.

........=..-....

Electric between the plates of capacitor (without dielectric) is

....=
..
....

but
..=
..
..
....=
..
......

Electric between the plates of capacitor (with dielectric) is

....=
........
....
=
..-....
....
..=
..
..
,....=
....
..
....=
..-....
......

Also
..=
....
..
=
..
......
..
......
=
..-....
....
......=........-..........

..........=........-......

..........=......(..-..)

....=
......(..-..)
......
....=..(..-
..
..
)
Electric charge on plate of capacitor (without dielectric)

..=........=..........
....=
....
..

When the dielectric is insert between plates of capacitor , charge QO remains same
and is given by ,
....=........=..........

Where ,

Cd - capacitance of capacitor with dielectric

Ed- Electric field in the space between plates filled with dielectric .

Thus ..........=..........
.... = ....(
....
....
)

Thus capacitance of capacitor is increased and it proportional to the ratio of

electric field without
dielectric and with dielectric in the space between plates of capacitor.

Que. 14: derive an expression for the energy of charged condenser and express it in
different forms.

Ans :-

Energy of the charged condenser: - While charging a condenser, charge is being

transferred to it.
As the condenser acquires some charge, this charge begins to repel the additional
charge brought
to the condenser. Therefore while charging the condenser work must be down again
the force of
repulsion. This work is stored in the condenser in the form of potential energy in
the electric field.
When the capacitor is fully charged, its capacity is ..=
..
..
.......... ..&.. are final values of
potential & charge
While charge the condenser at the certain stage let q be the charge & v be the
potential, so that ..=
..
..
For the further addition of the charge dq on the condenser, work is down
........=..................
............

. ....=......

Total work down when the condenser is fully is given as

..=.....=.......
..
..
...... ..=
..
..
. ..=.
..
..
.... =
..
..
.......
..
..
..
..

=
..
..
[
....
..
]=
..
..
....
..

Using the relation ..=

..
..
we can write
..=....,

. ..=
..
..
......=
..
..
....
..
=
..
..
....

. ............ .... .............. ..................

=
..
..
......=
..
..
....
..
=
..
..
....

Que. 15: Derive an expression for effective capacitance of three capacitor

connected in series.

Ans:

Condensers in series:-
In this arrangement, the negative plate of the first condenser is connected to the
positive plate of the
next condenser. And a cell is connected between positive plate of first condenser &
negative plate of
the last condenser. As shown in the fig.a Let C1, C2,& C3 are the capacities of the
of condensers & If +Q
be the charge is given to the plate of first condenser, a charge Q is induces on
the other plate of the
condenser & so on Let V1, V2, & V3be the potential differences across the
condensers and let V be the
total P.D. across the series arrangement. The charge across the series arrangement

Then ....=
..
....
,....=
..
....
,....=
..
....

...... ..=
..
..
.....=
..
....
,....=
..
....
,....==
..
....
......
....=
..
....

But ....=....+....+.... ----------- (1) putting all above values in eqn (1) we have

..
....
=
..
....
+
..
....
+
..
....
..
....
=
..
....
+
..
....
+
..
....

In general if n condensers of capacities ....,........ are arranged in series ,

the arrangement is
equivalent to a single condenser of capacitance .... given by the relation

..
....
=
..
....
+
..
....
+ +
..
....
Thus the reciprocal of the capacitance of a series arrangement of condensers is
equal to sum of the
reciprocals of their individual capacitances.

Que. 16: Derive an expression for effective capacitance of three capacitor

connected in parallel.

Ans: Condensers in parallel:

the parallel arrangement of three condensers of capacities C1 , C2and C3 is shown

in Fig In this
arrangement ,one plate of each condenser is connected to the positive terminal of
the cell while the
other plate is connected to the negative terminal of the cell. A total charge Q
supplied to the
arrangement gets distributed over the condensers, depending upon their
capacitances. If
..1,..2 ...... ..3 are the charges on the condenser.

....=....+....+....

The P.D across each condenser is the same. Let it be equal to V. It can be seen
that V is also The P.D
across the parallel combination. We can write
....=
....
..
;....=
....
..
;....=
....
..
...... ....=
..
..

Where Cp is the equivalent capacitance of the combination.

.....=...... ,....=......, ....=......

and ....=......

But ....=....+....+....

. ......=......+......+......
 . ....=....+ ....+....

In general, if n condensers of capacitances ....,....,.... are arranged in

parallel, the arrangement is
equivalent to a single condenser of capacitance .... given by

....=....+....+..........

For a number of condensers arranged in parallel, their equivalent capacitance is

equal to sum of their
individual capacitance.

Que.17: With the help of net diagram , describe the construction , working and uses
of van de Graff
Generator.

Van de Graff generator: -

This generator is the device used to develop very high potentials of the order of
107.With the help of
these generator beams of high energy charged particle e.g. proton,
deuteron& .. ................ . BB is
endless conveyer belt made of reinforced rubber or silk, can move over two pulleys
P1&P2. It is driven
by the electric motor. The spray brush A consisting of a large number of pointed
wires , connected to
the positive terminal of the high voltage d.c. supply. From this brush positive
charge can sprayed on
the belt. This charge can be collected by the similar brush C this is connected to
the large dome shaped
hollow metallic conductor D mounted on the insulating pillar be the accelerating
tube having electrode
I at the upper end. This electrode is connected to dome shaped conductor. To
prevent the leakage
from the dome , pulley& belt arrangement whole part is enclosed inside the large
steel vessel S. This
vessel is filled with nitrogen at the high pressure. Small quantity of Freon gas is
mixed with nitrogen for
better insulation between the vessel & its contents. A metal plate M is held
opposite to brush on the
other side of the belt, connected to vessel s which is earthed.

Working:- The electric motor connected to the pulley P1 is switched on& D.C.
supply is also switched
on the pointed end of the brush A is continuously sprayed on the belt which carries
this charge to the
upper end, which is collected by the another brush C & send to the dome shaped
conductor. The
charge is distributed over the outer surface of the dome. The potential of the
electrode I is rises to a
very high value. The positive ions such as protons or deuteron or alpha particle in
the of highly ionized
from the upper part of the evacuated acceleration tube these ions ,repelled by the
electrode I, are
accelerated in the downward direction due to the very high fall of potential along
the tube ,these ions
acquire very high energy. These high energy charged particles are then directed so
as to strike a
desired target.

Uses: - the main use of the van de Graff generator is to produce very high energy
charged particles
having energies of the order of 10MeV. Such high energy charged particles are used
(i) to carry out the
disintegration of the nuclei of different elements, (ii) to produce radioactive
isotopes, (iii) To study
nuclear structure, (iv) To study different types of nuclear reactions. etc.