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

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

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

If you have charged an electroscope by contact with a positively charged object, describe how you could use it to determine the charge of other objects.

From Textbooks • Aug. 12, 2015

McKinley; Professor Auguste Piccard & aide ballooning into the stratosphere ten miles above Switzerland; Professor Erich Regener sending a free balloon with an electroscope 17� miles above Stuttgart.

From Time Magazine Archive

For simplicity the electroscope, insulating stand and silk thread have been omitted.

From Hawkins Electrical Guide, Number One Questions, Answers, & Illustrations, A Progressive Course of Study for Engineers, Electricians, Students and Those Desiring to acquire a Working Knowledge of Electricity and its Applications by Hawkins, Nehemiah