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.

---

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

---

Other Word Forms

• electroscopic adjective

Etymology

Origin of electroscope

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

Example Sentences

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

From Textbooks • Aug. 12, 2015

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

From Textbooks • Aug. 12, 2015

What happens to the charged electroscope when a conductor is moved between its plastic sheets, and why?

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

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

It will be found that as it does so the gold-leaves of the electroscope diverge, but collapse again if the ball is withdrawn.

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