Chapter 6.1, Problem 1R

To determine

To explain: the effect, when the knob of a positively charged electroscope is touched with a negatively charged object.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

A device that is use to detect electric charge is known as an electroscope, it consists of two thin metal leaves attached to a metal rod. The electroscope, when is not charged then the leaves hang straight down. The electroscope, when charged then the leaves are pushed apart.

In a positively charged electroscope, the leaves have similar charges (positive), so they repel each other. When a negatively charged object is brought in contact with the positively charged electroscope, the leaves will move closer together. Negative charges from the object will travel down to the leaves due to conduction. The negative charges will attract the positive charges on the leaves causing the leaves to come slightly together.

Conclusion:

The two leaves will come slightly together.