An Electroscope Is a Device That Can Be Used to Either Detect Or to Store Charge

ELECTROSCOPES

An electroscope is a device that can be used to either detect or to store charge.

Upon completion of this activity, you should be able to explain and illustrate:

1. how to obtain a positively charged rod.

2. how to obtain a negatively charged rod.

3. how an electroscope behaves when positively and negatively charged

objects are brought near.

4. how to negatively charge an electroscope by a) conduction and by b) induction.

5. how to positively charge an electroscope by a) conduction and by b) induction.

6. how one can determine the unknown charge of a charged electroscope.

Use your electroscope, electrostatic charge materials, textbook, and/or web sites to investigate the 6 objectives of this activity. You will hand in diagrams (one set per lab group) illustrating the electroscope and movement of charge that aid in the completion of each objective. You should write these as a set of step-by-step instructions so that anyone reading them would have no trouble repeating your processes and understanding why the electroscope behaves as it does.

Although you may divide your duties among members of your lab group, each group member is responsible for understanding all six objectives.

Active Electroscope Simulation Sites

http://www.shep.net/resources/curricular/physics/P30/Unit2/electroscope.html - demonstrates charging by induction and charging by conduction

http://www.glenbrook.k12.il.us/gbssci/phys/mmedia/estatics/esn.html - uses a “vane” electroscope, but process is identical for a “leaf” electroscope

http://www.engr.uky.edu/%7Egedney/courses/ee468/expmnt/escope.html - electroscope discussion

http://www.glenbrook.k12.il.us/gbssci/phys/mmedia/estatics/gep.html - grounding an electroscope