The mode of operation of an electroscope

Principle

The pupils should recognize

• that one can demonstrate electrical charging with an electroscope but that the type of charge is not revealed,
• that from the extent of pointer swing the strength of the charge can be inferred,
• that using a known polarity of charge on the electroscope the type of charge of a test body can be determined,
• that one can discharge the electroscope by touching with the hand.

Benefits

• Quick and easy experiment for qualitatively understanding of electrostatic phenomena

Tasks

What does an electroscope indicate? Investigate how an electroscope reacts when you touch it with an electrically-charged object and then, afterwards with the hand.