Science Bob visits the world's largest Van de Graaff generator on display at the Museum of Science in Boston, USA. The generator was generously donated to the Museum by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Designed and built by Dr. Robert J. Van de Graaff, who was a professor at MIT. This generator was originally used as a research tool in early atom-smashing and high energy X-ray experiments. As newer methods of atomic acceleration became available, the machine was used for instructional purposes only. Finally, it was donated to the Museum, where it now stands on public display in the center of the Thomson Theatre of Electricity and is demonstrated daily. Thanks to Mike Alexander at the Museum for running the generator for me.
