Dielectrics and Electrostatic Charge

Van der Graaf Generator connected to variable capacitor

Concept Overview:

1. Dielectrics withstand high electric fields in a capacitor

Lecturer Procedure

Step(s) to FollowExpected Result
1. With NO dielectric in capacitor, turn on Van der GraafThere will be much discharging between the capacitor plates
Insert dielectric material and repeatThe discharging will decrease dramatically

Alternately:  You can put a USB camera facing downward facing into the capacitor and only insert a dielectric into half the capacitor to show discharge on one half, but not the half with the dielectric

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Identifier
E&M: ES - 021