Electrostatics experiments

Light objets attraction Hanging balloon Trickle of water Electroscope and versorium Charging and discharging by contact Charging by induction Points power Two sorts of electric charges (a) Two sorts of electric charges (b) Conduction Sign of Charges Electrostatic chime Electrophorus Faraday Cage
French page

by Michel Maussion - University of Nantes - France

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Charging and discharging by Contact




Charging by Contact




contact1

   

 contact2
Par several times
the electroscope plate
with an electrified straw.

   

 By moving away the straw
leaves remain apart.


  This operation is a little bit arduous because only the charges of the point of
  contact can pass into the electroscope where they spread over the plate and
  the leaves. It is easier to proceed indirecly as in the following :



contact3

   

 contact4
Approach an electrified straw
interposing a piece of aluminium.
Make contact with the plate.

   

 Pull together the straw
and the metal :
leaves remain apart.

     



Discharging the electroscope




charge

   

 decharge
Charged electroscope

   

Touch the plate with your finger :
the leaves fall.

See video (DivX Codec) 354 ko or 39 ko.

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