Home Made Electroscope

An electroscope is a simple device that detects electrical charge. By using common household materials such as a jar, paperclip, cardboard, and aluminum foil, you can build a working electroscope that demonstrates how charges move and repel each other.

1. Straighten a paperclip and bend one end into a “U” shape.
2. Trace the opening of a transparent jar onto a piece of cardboard and cut out a circular lid.
3. Make a small hole in the center of the cardboard circle.
4. Cut two small leaf-shaped pieces of aluminum foil, each with a small hole at the top.
5. Roll another piece of aluminum foil into a ball to act as the collector.
6. Insert the straight end of the paperclip through the hole in the cardboard and secure it with tape.
7. Attach the foil ball to the top of the paperclip.
8. Hang the two foil leaves from the U-shaped end of the paperclip.
9. Place the cardboard lid on top of the jar and tape it in place so the foil leaves hang freely inside.
10. Test the electroscope by charging a comb or balloon (by rubbing with hair or wool) and bringing it near the foil ball. The leaves will spread apart as they acquire like charges.

How to make an electroscope - RimstarOrg:

📄 How to Make an Electroscope Easily - AH Electronics (Instructables): https://www.instructables.com/how-to-make-an-electroscope-easily/

• Use cassette tape instead of aluminium foil for the leaves.
• Test the device with different materials for charging, such as glass, plastic, or wool.

• Ensure the jar is stable to prevent breakage.
• Do not use the electroscope with high-voltage power sources—it is only safe for static charge experiments.

• Why do the foil leaves repel each other when charge is present?
• What happens if you bring a positively charged object near the electroscope?
• Why does humidity reduce the effectiveness of the electroscope?
• How does the size of the collector affect sensitivity?
• How could you improve the design to make the electroscope more accurate?