Name_____________________________________ ELECTROSCOPE ACTIVITY

Date__________________

You will go to this website to complete this activity: www.shep.net/resources/curricular/physics/p30/unit2/electroscope.html Electroscope is an instrument that is used to detect and identify static charges. In this activity we will use a Metal Leaf Electroscope. Part I Click on Charge Separation. Click on Play. (a) As the negatively charged rod approaches the electroscope, i. Describe the action of the electrons.

ii. Describe the action of the protons.

iii. Describe the action of the leaves of the electroscope.

(b) Count the number of electrons and protons in the electroscope.

(c) Describe the distribution of electrons and protons in the electroscope.

(d) If the charged rod is withdrawn, predict what would happen.

(e) Click on the Step (reverse button). Describe what happens. Was your prediction correct?

You have just observed charge separation when a negatively charged rod approaches a neutral electroscope. Predict what would happen if the rod was positively charged. Illustrate your answer drawing a before and after diagram. Use six positive charges(6+) and six negative charges (6-) in the electroscope.

Part II Click on Charge by Conduction. Click on Play. Charging by conduction means the same as charging by contact. Uncharged objects become charged if they come in contact with a charged object. (a) Draw a before and after diagram, defining the number of electrons in protons in each case.

(b) Describe what happens when a negatively charged rod makes contact with a neutral electroscope.

(c) Predict what happens when a positively charged rod makes contact with a neutral electroscope. Draw a before and after diagram.

Part III Click on Charge by Induction. Click on Play. In charging by induction an electric charge is induced from one object to another without direct contact. (a) Describe the action of the leaves of the electroscope before induction. Draw the diagram.

(b) Describe the action of the leaves of the electroscope after induction. Draw the diagram.

(c) Describe what happens when the electroscope is grounded.

(d) Describe what happens when the ground is removed.

(e) Describe what happens when the charged rod is removed. Draw the diagram.

(f) You have just observed induction by a negatively charged rod. Predict what would happen if a positively charged rod is used.

Practice Problems