Identifying Charges Using a Pith-ball Electroscope?

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    Charges Electroscope
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the use of a pith-ball electroscope to determine the charge of an unknown object. Participants explore the feasibility of this method and the underlying principles of electric charges.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that it is indeed possible to use a pith-ball electroscope to identify the charge of an unknown object.
  • A participant references a guide that outlines experiments related to this method, emphasizing the principles of electric charges, such as the behavior of like and opposite charges.
  • There is mention of historical context regarding how electricity was investigated, suggesting that this method has been used in the past.
  • Some participants highlight the availability of demonstrations on platforms like YouTube to illustrate the concept further.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

While some participants agree that it is possible to determine the charge using a pith-ball electroscope, the discussion does not reach a consensus on the specific methodology or any potential challenges involved.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not address specific experimental setups or detailed steps for using the pith-ball electroscope, leaving some assumptions and methods unspecified.

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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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