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Van de Graaff Generator Simulator (2D)

Interactive 2D Van de Graaff generator: a charged rubber belt carries triboelectric charge up to the dome, the dome’s voltage climbs toward its corona-limited saturation point, and a spark leaps a grounded sphere once the adjustable gap’s breakdown voltage is exceeded.

Electromagnetism2DMedium60 FPS📱 Mobile-adapted⇄ 3D version

This 2D simulator models a real Van de Graaff generator: a rubber belt picks up triboelectric charge at its base roller, carries it up to a grounded comb that transfers it onto the hollow metal dome, and the dome’s voltage climbs toward a corona-limited saturation point set by its radius. Bring the adjustable grounded sphere close enough and the air gap breaks down before that saturation point is reached, firing a visible spark that discharges the dome — all driven by a real charge-conservation and electrostatic-breakdown model, with a live charge, voltage and field readout.

⚙ Under the hood

A charged belt feeds a comb that deposits charge on the dome; voltage climbs toward a corona-limited ceiling set by the dome radius, and a spark fires across the adjustable gap once the breakdown field is exceeded there first.

2D · HTML5 Canvas 2D · 60 FPS target · runs fully client-side, no install