Why do the leaves of a charged electroscope collapse if we touch its disk with a metal rod, but they do not collapse if we touch the disk with a rubber rod?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking to explain why the leaves of a charged electroscope collapse when its disk is touched with a metal rod, but they do not collapse when touched with a rubber rod. This involves understanding the properties of conductors (metal) and insulators (rubber) and how they affect charge distribution on the electroscope.
Answer
Metal allows charge to spread, neutralizing the leaves, while rubber insulates and retains the charge.
When a charged electroscope's disk is touched with a metal rod, the leaves collapse because the charge spreads across the metal rod, effectively neutralizing the charge on the leaves. A rubber rod, being an insulator, does not allow the charge to flow, so the leaves remain charged and do not collapse.
Answer for screen readers
When a charged electroscope's disk is touched with a metal rod, the leaves collapse because the charge spreads across the metal rod, effectively neutralizing the charge on the leaves. A rubber rod, being an insulator, does not allow the charge to flow, so the leaves remain charged and do not collapse.
More Information
An electroscope detects the presence and magnitude of electric charge. Metal is a conductor, allowing electrons to flow freely, while rubber is an insulator, resisting the flow of electrons.
Tips
A common mistake is thinking the rubber rod removes the charge. It simply prevents it from spreading.
Sources
- Why do leaves of charged electroscope collapse if we touch its disk ... - quora.com
- Why leaves of charged electroscope collapse if we touch its disk ... - answers.com
- brainly.in - brainly.in
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