A Van de Graaff generator has a spherical dome of radius 12 cm.Operating in dry air,where "atmospheric breakdown" is at E_max = 3.0 × 10⁶ N/C,what is the maximum charge that can be held on the dome? (k_e = 8.99 × 10⁹ N⋅m²/C²) A) 4.8 × 10−⁶ C B) 1.3 × 10−⁵ C C) 2.7 × 10−⁵ C D) 3.3 × 10−⁶ C

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Using the formula for electric field E = k_e * Q / r^2, we solve for Q: Q = E_max * r^2 / k_e. Substituting the given values, Q = (3.0 × 10^6 N/C) * (0.12 m)^2 / (8.99 × 10^9 N⋅m^2/C^2) = 4.8 × 10^−6 C.

A Van De Graaff Generator Has a Spherical Dome of Radius