Electricity and Magnetism

Giant Electroscope

GIANT ELECTROSCOPE is a giant table top electroscope which uses two “U” shaped threads as indicators of electrostatic charge. This electroscope has two plates attached to the indicating threads. It is possible to discharge this sensitive electroscope in small iterations by touching a very well-insulated ball to the charged plate and then grounding it against the other plate. This iterative transfer of charge is akin to emptying a large pot of water with a coffee cup. The exhibit also allows visitors to receive a small shock, if they wish, and incorporates three distinct methods for discharging the electroscope.