Alert icon
We're changing our privacy policy. This stuff matters.  Learn more  Dismiss

Big Sparks, Little Sparks!

Loading...

Sign in or sign up now!
15,935
Loading...
Alert icon
Sign in or sign up now!
Alert icon
There is no Interactive Transcript.

Uploaded by on Feb 27, 2009

What happens to the size of a spark when the distance between a Van de Graaff generator and a grounding dome changes? What happens if they touch? [Closed Captioned]

  • likes, 2 dislikes

Link to this comment:

Share to:

Uploader Comments (JeffersonLab)

  • how far away can you get them from each other and it still spark ?

  • @MrRupert8754 If the air is good and dry, about a foot or so.

  • What would happen if you did it in a vaccuum chamber? Would it be one continuous spark since there is no air to insulate?

  • @TheScalyDemon I think so. You wouldn't actually see a spark since there wouldn't be anything in the vacuum to heat up, but I believe that you would get a continuous discharge.

  • Is the reason we can only hear most of the sparks because the camera doesn't have a high enough frame rate to capture the flashes or is there actually no spark?

  • @flowercowable No, the sparks are there. We shoot at 29.97 fps, but I doubt the exposure time for a single frame uses that entire window. If a spark happens during a lull, the camera won't pick it up.

Top Comments

  • Wow! i love you guys more videos plz!

  • Nice show it's cool...Kinda funny too. :D

see all

All Comments (40)

Sign In or Sign Up now to post a comment!
  • you made me jump when you said no hahah

  • @vampkid23 thats a really good idea now im really curious about that xD

  • what would happen if you were to freeze bubbles with liquid nitrogen?

  • Luv it. Science is my strong subject

Loading...
0 / 00Unsaved Playlist Return to active list
    1. Your queue is empty. Add videos to your queue using this button:
      or sign in to load a different list.
    Loading...Loading...Saving...
    • Clear all videos from this list
    • Learn more