Basic Electrostatics System
Model No. ES-9080
14
!
Demonstration 1: Faraday Ice Pail and
Charge Production
Suggestions for Introducing the Experiment
Start by showing that the electrometer is directly measuring potential
difference by connecting a battery to it and measuring its voltage. You
can explain that when using the ice pail, you will be only indirectly
measuring charge, knowing that the amount of charge is proportional
to the voltage. The readings will be in volts, not in coulombs. Change
the polarity of the leads to show how the meter needle deflects in the
opposite direction. Explain how this can tell us the type of charge in
the ice pail.
Equipment Setup
Introduction
The purpose of this demonstration is to investigate the relation
between the charge induced on the ice pail by a charged object placed
in the pail, and the charge of the object. This demonstration is also
useful for investigating the nature of charging an object by contact as
Equipment Required:
Electrometer (ES-9078)
Faraday Ice Pail (ES-9042A)
Charge Producers (ES-9057B)
Test Leads
Earth ground connection
Proof plane (optional)
grounded shield
electrometer
shield
pail
Figure 1.1: Demonstration Setup
black lead
red lead
(to shield)
(to pail)
earth ground