Question

What is an electroscope? Explain the construction of gold leaf electroscope.

Answer 1

Electroscope

1. An electroscope is a device for detecting the presence of an electric charge on an object.
2. When a charged body is brought in touch with the brass rod, there is a transfer of electrons which causes repulsion in gold leaves.

Construction of gold leaf electroscope

1. A gold-leaf electroscope consists of a glass bell jar fitted on a wooden base.
2. There is an insulator plug at the mouth of jar, through which a brass rod passes.
3. A brass disc is fixed on the upper end of the brass rod and the lower end has two thin, flexible and sensitive gold leaves.