Van de Graaff Pie Tins

A stack of aluminum pie plates placed on top of a Van de Graaff generator’s dome will charge and repel each other. As the generator accumulates charge, the plates lift off one by one, demonstrating that like charges repel.

1. Place the Van de Graaff generator in an open space with enough room above for the plates to fly off.
2. Plug in the generator and grounding rod.
3. Stack 5 or more small aluminum pie plates upside down on the dome of the generator.
4. Use the grounding rod to switch on the generator and step back.
5. Watch as the plates charge, repel each other, and fly off one by one.
6. When all plates have discharged, use the grounding rod to safely turn off and discharge the generator.

Why Do Pie Plates Fly Off a Van de Graaff Generator? (Physics Demo) - Phantastic Physics:

📄 Putting Pie Plates on a Van De Graaff Generator - Classroom Physics Demos: https://demos.smu.ca/demos/e-n-m/53-pie-plates

• Use different sizes of pie plates to compare how mass affects the speed and height of lift-off.
• Try lightweight foil trays or other conductive objects.
• Place a lightweight toy (like a rubber duck) on top of the plates for added visual effect.
• Record in slow motion to observe the instant each plate becomes charged and separates.

• Always use the grounding rod to switch the generator on and off.
• Discharge the dome after use with the grounding rod.
• Stand back while plates are flying to avoid accidental hits.
• Do not operate near sensitive electronic devices.

• Why do the pie plates repel each other instead of staying stacked?
• What role does conduction play in transferring charge from the dome to the plates?
• Why do lighter plates fly off more easily than heavier ones?
• How does this demonstration model the way charge distributes itself on conductors?
• In what ways is this similar to the sparks and hair-raising Van de Graaff demonstrations?