Description

An electroscope is a laboratory apparatus used to detect and measure the presence of electric charges. It consists of a metal rod with a conducting knob at the top and two thin metal leaves hanging down. The metal leaves are usually made of gold or aluminum foil.

When an electrically charged object is brought close to the knob of the electroscope, the charge induces an opposite charge in the leaves, causing them to move apart from each other due to electrostatic repulsion. The degree of separation of the leaves is proportional to the magnitude of the charge on the object.

Electroscopes are commonly used in laboratory settings to detect the presence and strength of electric charges, and to demonstrate the principles of electrostatics. They are also used in research to study the behavior of electric fields and charges.