Chapter 20, Problem 49A

To determine

To explain:The procedure used to identify whether an object is a conductor or not using a charged rod and an electroscope.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Electroscope is a scientific instrument used in old days to detect the existence of electric charge in an object. Electroscope finds electric charge in an object by its movement which is due to electrostatic force on it. The quantity of charge in a test object is proportional to the voltage of an electroscope. But it gives only a rough idea about the amount of charge in an object.

A known insulator is used to hold one end of the test object beside an electroscope. Other end of the test object is kept in touch with the charged rod. Then observe the electroscope. If it shows a charge then the test object is a conductor.