Question

Van de Graaff generator simulates lightning strikes by ontinuously adding charge to the collector sphere, or dome, until the electric field at the surface of the dome reaches the dielectric strength of the surrounding air. The charge built on the dome leaves its surface in an arc discharge through the air to the nearest path to ground, creating a plasma that produces visible light. If the dome has a radius of 11.9 cm and the air around the generator has a dielectric strength (aka "breakdown" electric field) of 3.05×10⁶ V/m (or N/C ), determine:

a. the maximum electric potential of the dome.

Answer 1

The maximum electric potential of the dome is 3.6335x10^5 V.

Step-by-step explanation:

The maximum electric potential of the dome can be determined using the formula:

V = Er

It's important to note that the solution provided above assumes that the given mass of the ball for the question scenario is correct, which could potentially confuse the student if this reference was not intended to be part of the answer.

Where V is the potential, E is the electric field, and r is the radius of the dome. Plugging in the values given:

V = (3.05x10^6 V/m)(0.119 m)

V = 3.6335x10^5 V

Therefore, the maximum electric potential of the dome is 3.6335x10^5 V.