Description:Run the Van de Graaff for a couple of seconds to develop a small charge on the dome, then turn it off. Hold the two plates touching each other near the dome (but do not draw a spark) with one closer to the dome and one further away. While the plates are near the dome, separate the two plates and then remove them from the area of the dome. The two plates will be equally but oppositely charged, as can be verified using the electroscope.