Foil Electroscope

A foil electroscope is a simple home experimental activity that shows the effect of electric charges on a given medium. Based on our activity, our medium is pieces of aluminum foil. I put 2 of the pieces of foils on the end of a copper wire beside each other. On the other side, I charged different things such as a CD, comb, and even used our CRT monitor. As I attach the other end of the wire on the charged objects, the foils separate from each other. It even went to the direction of the TV. This shows the effects of charges based on Coulomb’s law.

What materials did you try out for this activity?

• Copper wire, jar, pieces of aluminum foil, brush, cd, pen

Approximate distance between each leaves

• 1-3 inches

Which of the listed materials where able to hold stronger like charges to that in the leaves?

• The brush, maybe because I charged it the most

How does the on/off affect the leaves?

• Greater charge because of static remains

What is taking place when you turn the monitor on/off?

• More electrons are charged meaning greater repulsion

How do you feel about the safety rule on the CRT Monitor?

•  I think its enough because the human body can only feel its effect up-close