Question

What is an electroscope? Draw a labelled diagram of an electroscope and explain its working.

Answer 1

Electroscope:

1. It is an instrument used to detect the presence and magnitude of the electric charge.
2. An electroscope consists of a large jar. A metal rod is fitted into the mouth of the jar with the help of the cork. At the lower end of the metal rod, a pair of thin leaves of gold or aluminium is suspended.
3. When the top of the instrument is brought near the charged body the leaf inside the electroscope repels or attracts depending on the charge of the body which is brought near it.

Working:

1. If the leaves of the electroscope diverge or open up when an object is touched, the body is charged.
2. The extent of divergence or opening up of the leaves is a measure of the charge on the body.
3. A body with a higher charge will cause a greater opening up of the leaves.