Identifying Charges Using a Pith-ball Electroscope?

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SUMMARY

Using a pith-ball electroscope is an effective method for determining the charge of an unknown object. The process involves understanding the principles of electric charges, specifically that like charges repel while opposite charges attract. The force exerted by the charges is proportional to their size, which is crucial for accurate identification. Historical experiments and modern demonstrations available online further illustrate this technique.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric charge principles
  • Familiarity with static electricity concepts
  • Basic knowledge of force and its relation to charge size
  • Experience with experimental methods in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the operation and setup of a pith-ball electroscope
  • Explore historical experiments in electricity
  • Watch online demonstrations of charge identification using electroscopes
  • Study the relationship between force and electric charge in detail
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching electricity concepts, and hobbyists interested in experimental physics will benefit from this discussion.

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Question:
Can you use a pith-ball electroscope, to determine the charge of an unknown object?

Is it possible?
 
Last edited:
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Welcome to PF.
Can you use a pith-ball electroscope, to determine the charge of an unknown object?
Yes. It is possible. xD
http://www.execulink.com/~ekimmel/central/pithlab.htm
 
Simon Bridge said:
Welcome to PF.
Yes. It is possible. xD
http://www.execulink.com/~ekimmel/central/pithlab.htm

How would this be done?
 
The link has a guide for experiments ... you do it by using your knowledge of electric charges.

You know that like charges repel and opposites attract.
You know the force is proportional to the size of the charge.
You know which sort of static electricity is positive and which negative.
So what's the problem?

This is, historically, how electricity was investigated.
Also - there are demos on youtube - honestly, anyone would think you weren't sitting in front of a computer :)
 

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