Project 1: Electroscope

Stephanie Mae M. Torcatos1, Jamella Atiga, Rose Ann Mangantang, Chyril

Narvasa, Lorie Sodusta, Aira Valeros
Department of Senior High School, Science and Technology Engineering and
Mathematics, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Sta. Mesa, Manila 1016
1
E-mail: storcatos@gmail.com

Abstract. This experiment aims to demonstrate electrostatics by making electroscope.

Different materials such as ballpen cap, marker, comb, ruler, plastic cover, and
electroscope were used. Different methods of charging were used to charge the objects.
As the time of charging increases, the magnitude also increases. As the magnitude
increases and the distance decreases, the attraction or repulsion increases. This shows the
Coulomb’s law.

Keywords: Electrostatics
PACS: 41.20.Cv

1. Introduction

Electricity is not always at motion. When it is at rest, it is known as an electrostatic

charge. According to Ricky (2008), an electrostatic charge cannot flow on insulators for it has
low electron mobility which means it has few or no free electrons. [1]

There are two types of electric charges which are positive charge and negative charge.
Electric charge, which can be positive or negative, occurs in discrete natural units and is neither
created nor destroyed according to Law of Conservation. The SI unit for charge is coulomb (C). [2]

According to the 1st law of electrostatic, like charges repels. Positive repel positive and
negative repels negative for they have the same polarity. And the 2nd is that unlike charges
attract. According to this law, the force exerted between two point charges is directly proportional
to the product of their strengths. [2]

There are different methods of charging. First is charging by Friction. With this method,
this process results in a transfer of electrons between the two objects that are rubbed together. As
a result, the atoms of 1st object pull electrons from the atoms of the 2nd object, leaving both
objects with an imbalance of charge.
 Another is in the process of Induction. It is a method used to charge an object without
actually touching the object to any other charged object

In addition to, the 3rd method of charging is by Conduction. Charging by conduction

involves the contact of a charged object to a neutral object.

Lastly, Grounding is the process of removing the excess charge on an object by means of
the transfer of electrons between it and another object of substantial size. When a charged object
is grounded, the excess charge is balanced by the transfer of electrons between the charged object
and a ground. A ground is simply an object that serves as a seemingly infinite reservoir of
electrons; the ground is capable of transferring electrons to or receiving electrons from a charged
object in order to neutralize that object. [3]

Coulomb's law states that the electrical force between two charged objects is directly
proportional to the product of the quantity of charge on the objects and inversely proportional to
the square of the separation distance between the two objects. [3]In equation form, Coulomb's law
can be stated as

𝑘 ∙ 𝑄1 ∙ 𝑄2
F= (1.1)
𝑑2

In this experiment, by creating an electroscope and using different materials,

electrostatics can be demonstrated.

2. Methodology

In this project, the group used the following materials to create electroscope and
demonstrate electrostatics.

a. b. c.

Figure 1.1: (a) Copper wire (b) Foil and (c) Plastic Bottle

To make this experiment possible the group used plastic bottle, aluminium foil, copper
wire to make electroscope
 a. b. c. d. e. f.

Figure 1.2: (a) ballpen cap (b) Paper (c) Ruler (d) Marker (e) Plastic Cover and (f) Comb

The group used different materials such as ballpen cap, marker, comb, ruler, and plastic
cover to test the electroscope.

3. Results and Discussions

As the group conducted the experiment, each was thrilled with excitement and enjoyment
as different objects were rub to each other’s hairs and maong pants just to create charge.
Although it’s hard to rub an object for seconds and failed to charge many times, for the group this
was the challenge to overcome in the experiment.

Figure 1.3: Electroscope

Figure 1.3 shows the electroscope accomplished by the group. Where in plastic bottle,
solid copper wire, and foils were used.

Table 1.3: Electroscope

Materials 15 seconds 30 seconds 45 seconds
a. ballpen cap - - -
b. marker - Split Split
c. comb (plastic) Split Split Split
d. ruler Split Split Split
e. plastic Split Split Split
Table 1.3 shows whether the foil in the electroscope had split using the following the materials in
increasing time of charging. In this part of experiment, grounding was also used. From the table,
by using a ballpen cap, no splitting happened. By using a marker, in 15 seconds the foil did not
split. But as it was charged for 30 seconds and 45 seconds, the foil had split. The comb, ruler and
plastic made the foil split as it place nearer the electroscope. And as the time of charging
increases the split of the foil also increases.

4. Summary and Conclusion

This experiment aims to demonstrate electrostatic by using an electroscope and different

materials. By using different methods of charging the different object demonstrates different
behaviour. In all the activities done, Coulomb’s second law was applied wherein the attraction
and repulsion of objects depends on its magnitude and distance. As the magnitude of charges
increases the attraction or repulsion also increases wherein it shows direct proportionality. On the
other hand, as the distance increases the attraction or repulsion decreases wherein it shows
inverse proportionality to each other. Negatively charged objects brought near the electroscope
attract its positive charges bringing down the negative charges thus making the foil both
negatively charged and split.

Acknowledgement

The entire group would like to acknowledge with their heartfelt thanks and profound
gratitude the following persons whom without their sincere help and guidance will not make this
report possible.

Mr. Reynold V. Luna, our General Physics I instructor, who impart his knowledge to us
and gave all the details, information and instructions to make this project successful.

To the Javier Family, who gives guidance and all-out support along the process of
creating these projects. Also, for letting us stay in their home to finish all of these.

To all those who, may be in any form or aspect, have helped make this experiment a
reality.

Above all, to God be the glory always.

References

[1] Ricky(2008), "Electricity at Rest - Electrostatic", retrieved at

http://www.brighthubengineering.com/power-generation-distribution/3014-electricity-at-
rest-electrostatic/
[2] "The editors of encyclopedia Britannica, Electric charge", retrieved at
https://www.britannica.com/science/electric-charge
[3] "Static Electicity - Lesson 2 - Methods of charging", retrieved at
http://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/estatics/Lesson-2/Grounding-the-Removal-of-a-
Charge