El-17 Charge Inversion
Aim
To demonstrate that the charge resides on the outer surface of a statically charged conductor.
Apparatus
- Chain Mesh Apparatus
- Piezoelectric Charger
- Electroscope
- Charging Rod
Charge Inversion Setup
Description
A Chain Mesh conductor is attached to a ring handle shape insulator. When the apparatus is held vertically it forms a tear drop shape. When you flip the apparatus horizontally 180°, the Chain Mesh will invert. That is outside becomes inside of the tear drop shape, while the inside becomes outside. Charge the Chain Mesh with the Piezoelectric Charger. Bringing the apparatus close to Electroscope will indicate a charge. Flip the apparatus 180° will still indicate a charge on the apparatus. With the apparatus still charge use the Charging Rod to make contact with the outside of the apparatus, now make contact with the Electroscope. A small amount of charge will be transferred to the Electroscope. Ground the Charging Rod and Electroscope. Now use the Charging Rod to make contact with the inside of the Chain Mesh. Transfer the Charging Rod to the Electroscope, no charge shall be indicated on the Electroscope. Flipping the apparatus 180° and repeating the process. The charge on can only be transferred from the outside of the Chain Mesh Apparatus, not the inside.