Experiment with an Electroscope, a Charged Rod and my hand

In summary, when a positively charged rod is brought closer to an electroscope, the leaves of the electroscope separate due to the separation of charges. However, when the rod is touched with our hands and then moved away, the electroscope charge will become negative. This is because the leaves are initially positively charged, but when we touch the rod, the leaves become negatively charged and repel each other. This results in a decrease in the distance between the leaves.
  • #1
MatinSAR
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Homework Statement
We bring a positively charged rod closer to the electroscope what happens if we touch the positively charged rod with our hands and then move the hand and rod away?
Relevant Equations
Electrostatics
I know that if we bring a positively charged rod closer to the electroscope, charges of electroscope are separated and the leaves of the electroscope get away from each other. but what happens if we touch the positively charged rod with our hands and then move the hand and rod away?
 
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  • #2
What do you think happens ? Bear in mind that "touch the positively charged rod" probably means you've grounded the rod.
 
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  • #3
hmmm27 said:
What do you think happens ? Bear in mind that "touch the positively charged rod" probably means you've grounded the rod.
Thank you.
I think electroscope charge will be - in the end.
 
  • #4
Why ?
 
  • #5
hmmm27 said:
Why ?
Because at first, the rod approaches the electroscope with a positive charge, so the conductor sphere has a negative charge and the leaves have a positive charge. when we touch the rod the leaves are repelled and negatively charged, so the distance between them is reduced and after colliding with each other, they are charged with the same charges (both negative charge) and repel each other.
 

1. How does an electroscope work?

An electroscope is a scientific instrument used to detect the presence and magnitude of electric charge. It works by using two thin metal leaves attached to a metal rod, which are suspended in a glass or plastic case. When a charged object is brought close to the electroscope, the leaves will either repel or attract each other, indicating the presence and type of charge.

2. What is the purpose of using a charged rod in an electroscope experiment?

The charged rod is used to transfer electric charge to the electroscope. This allows for the detection of the charge and its effects on the metal leaves. It also allows for the comparison of different types and magnitudes of charge.

3. How does my hand affect the electroscope in this experiment?

When you touch the electroscope with your hand, you are grounding it. This means that any excess charge on the electroscope will be neutralized by the charge on your hand. This allows for the electroscope to be reset and ready for the next experiment.

4. Can an electroscope be used to measure the exact amount of charge?

No, an electroscope can only detect the presence and type of charge. It cannot measure the exact amount of charge. However, by comparing the deflection of the leaves with known charges, an estimate of the charge can be made.

5. What other materials can be used in an electroscope experiment?

In addition to a charged rod and your hand, other materials such as balloons, wool, and plastic can be used to charge the electroscope. These materials can produce different types and magnitudes of charge, allowing for a variety of experiments to be conducted.

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