electroscope

American  

[ih-lek-truh-skohp] / ɪˈlɛk trəˌskoʊp /

noun

1. a device for detecting the presence and determining the sign of electric charges by means of electrostatic attraction and repulsion, often between two pieces of gold leaf enclosed in a glass-walled chamber.

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electroscope British  

/ ɪˈlɛktrəʊˌskəʊp, ɪˌlɛktrəʊˈskɒpɪk /

noun

1. an apparatus for detecting an electric charge, typically consisting of a rod holding two gold foils that separate when a charge is applied

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Other Word Forms

• electroscopic adjective

Etymology

Origin of electroscope

First recorded in 1815–25; electro- + -scope

Example Sentences

Figure 18.12 An electroscope is a favorite instrument in physics demonstrations and student laboratories.

From Textbooks • Aug. 12, 2015

What is the net charge on the electroscope in the first experiment?

From Textbooks • Aug. 12, 2015

Electrostatic repulsion in the leaves of the charged electroscope separates them.

From Textbooks • Aug. 12, 2015

At the beginning of the present century Geitel of Germany, experimenting with a quartz-fibre electroscope, noticed that for no apparent reason the air in his instrument gradually became more electrified or ionized.

From Time Magazine Archive

As electroscopes used to be constructed, these walls were made of glass imperfectly covered, if at all, by conducting material, and the electroscope was quite indefinite and uncertain in its action.

From Lord Kelvin An account of his scientific life and work by Gray, Andrew