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

See Examples For:

electroscope

However, while the rod is close, the electroscope is momentarily grounded and then the rod is removed.

From Textbooks ● Aug. 12, 2015

Is the net charge on the electroscope in the second experiment different from that of the first experiment?

From Textbooks ● Aug. 12, 2015

Because the glass rod is an insulator, it must actually touch the electroscope to transfer charge to or from it.

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

If the ball is discharged and touched against the other tray, and then afterwards against the previously charged electroscope, the leaves will collapse.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 3 "Electrostatics" to "Engis" by Various