electricity.jpg (5852 bytes)

FARADAY ICE PAIL


EQUIPMENT
    redball.gif (326 bytes) Electroscope
    redball.gif (326 bytes) Ice Pail
    redball.gif (326 bytes) Metal Ball
   

NARRATIVE
        This experiment demonstrates that charge resides on the outer surface of a conductor. Charge the ebonite rod by rubbing it with fur. Wipe the rod on the inside of the pail. The electroscope which is connected to the outside of the pail indicates charge. Touch the insulated metal ball to the reference electroscope to show that the ball is neutral. Now, touch the ball to the inside of the pail. (Don't touch the ball on the rim of the pail.) Remove the ball touch it to the reference electroscope. No charge has been transferred. Touch the ball to the outside of the pail. Then touch it to the reference electroscope. After repeating this a few times, the electroscope which is connected to the pail should show decreased deflection while the reference electroscope shows increased deflection.

Does not work well in high humidity.