Electricity and Magnetism

Giant Electroscope

GIANT ELECTROSCOPE is a giant table top electroscope which uses two ā€œUā€ 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.