Electroscope (noun)
Definition: An electroscope is a scientific instrument used to detect electric charge. It has two thin gold leaves that hang down from a metal rod. When the electroscope is charged (either positively or negatively), the gold leaves repel each other and spread apart because they have the same type of charge.
Usage Instructions: To use an electroscope, you can charge it by touching it with a charged object, like a balloon that has been rubbed on your hair. After charging, you will see the leaves move apart. If the leaves stay close together, it means there is no electric charge present.
Example Sentence: "The teacher used an electroscope to show us how electric charges can make things move."
Advanced Usage: In advanced scientific studies, electroscopes can be used to measure the strength of an electric charge, although they are not very precise compared to other instruments like electrometers.
Word Variants: There are no direct variants of "electroscope," but related terms include: - Electroscopy (noun): The study or measurement of electric charges. - Electroscopist (noun): A scientist or technician who specializes in using electroscopes.
Different Meanings: The term "electroscope" specifically refers to the device used to detect electric charge and does not have multiple meanings.
Synonyms: There are no direct synonyms for "electroscope," but you could describe it in simpler terms as an "electric charge detector."
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs: There are no idioms or phrasal verbs specifically related to "electroscope," but you might talk about "charging up" in a more general sense, which refers to adding energy or excitement to something.
Summary: An electroscope is a simple tool for detecting electric charge using the principle of repulsion between like charges.