Electroscope: meaning, definitions and examples

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electroscope

 

[ ɪˌlɛk.trəˈskoʊp ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

scientific instrument

An electroscope is an instrument used to detect electric charge. It operates on the principle that like charges repel and opposite charges attract. Typically, it consists of a metal rod connected to two thin metal leaves, which diverge when the rod is charged. Electroscopes can indicate the presence of a charge and its polarity, but they do not provide a quantitative measurement. This device is fundamental in studying electric phenomena and understanding static electricity.

Synonyms

charge detector, electrical detector

Examples of usage

  • The electroscope indicated a positive charge.
  • He used the electroscope to demonstrate static electricity.
  • The leaves of the electroscope moved apart when charged.
  • In experiments, the electroscope helped visualize charge distribution.

Translations

Translations of the word "electroscope" in other languages:

🇵🇹 eletroscopio

🇮🇳 इलेक्ट्रोस्कोप

🇩🇪 Elektroskop

🇮🇩 elektroskop

🇺🇦 електроскоп

🇵🇱 elektroskop

🇯🇵 エレクトロスコープ

🇫🇷 électroscope

🇪🇸 electroscopio

🇹🇷 elektroskop

🇰🇷 전기계

🇸🇦 الكهرباء

🇨🇿 elektroskop

🇸🇰 elektroskop

🇨🇳 电学仪器

🇸🇮 elektroskop

🇮🇸 rafmagnsmælir

🇰🇿 электроскоп

🇬🇪 ელექტროსკოპი

🇦🇿 elektroskop

🇲🇽 electroscopio

Word origin

The term 'electroscope' originates from the Greek words 'electro-', meaning 'amber' (which was associated with electricity since ancient times), and 'scope', meaning 'to look' or 'to view'. The device was developed in the late 17th century, during a period of intense scientific inquiry into electricity and its properties. Early inventors, such as Pieter van Musschenbroek in 1745, contributed to its design. The concept of using a movable conductor to detect charge was revolutionary for its time. As understanding of electrostatics advanced, the electroscope became a standard tool in teaching and demonstrating electrical principles. Today, it remains a valuable educational instrument in physics laboratories and classrooms.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,059 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.