Charge Distribution
Purpose
Demonstrates that surface charge density on a conductor depends on local curvature. Students sample charge at different points on a tear-shaped conductor with a proof plane and compare electroscope deflections, showing greater charge density at the sharp point than at the blunt end.
Figure 1:
Apparatus overview: tear-shaped conductor on stand, proof plane and Teflon rod on bench, projection electroscope with leaf shadow on screen.
Figure 2:
Transferring charge to the electroscope via the proof plane. The projected leaf deflection indicates the charge density sampled.
Figure 3:
Sampling charge from the blunt end of the conductor with the proof plane.
Figure 4:
Transferring charge from the sharp point to the electroscope. The large leaf deflection shows higher charge density at the point compared to the blunt end.
Demo Apparatus
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