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

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

From Textbooks ● Aug. 12, 2015

In the first experiment the rod is brought in contact with the electroscope.

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

Photons at five hundred million volts make just as big a splash in an electroscope as might electrons many times stronger.

From Time Magazine Archive

It may also be charged by conduction, i.e. by the direct transfer of a charge to the electroscope.

From The New Gresham Encyclopedia Volume 4, Part 2: Ebert to Estremadura by Various