Rod with Fur or Silk and the Electroscope

This demonstration is used to show how an electroscope works, the types of charge, and types of charging. Rubbing the rod on the fur adds electrons to the rod giving it a negative charge. Using the the silk and rod, takes electrons from the rod giving the rod a positive charge. Touching the electroscope with a charged rod demonstrates charging by contact. To charge by induction, a charged rod is brought near the electroscope which is then grounded.

* Equipment seen in the video may vary from equipment used in ND Demonstrations. See information and images below for ND equipment and setup.

Setup:

Place the rods, fur, silk, electroscope, and grounding wire on the lab table. Setup the webcam to view the electroscope and connect it to the projector system.Negatively charge the rod by rubbing it on the fur. Touch the electroscope to give it a negative charge.

Positively charge the other rod by rubbing it on the silk. Touch the electroscope to give it a positive charge.

Charging the opposite rod and touching the electroscope once it is charged with reverse the effect.

Touch the electroscope between examples to ground it.

Bringing a charged rod near the electroscope without touching it, then connecting the grounding wire and grounding the electroscope will show charging by induction.

Again, touch the electroscope to ground the system once finished.

Notes:

None

Courses Used In:

• PHY 10320

• PHY 20435

• PHY 30220

Discussion and Polling Questions:

Coming Soon

Equipment Needed:

• Electroscope

• Teflon Rod

• Nylon Rod

• Fur

• Silk

• Grounding Cable

• Webcam