PURPOSE: To demonstrate the difference between materials that conduct electricity and those that do not.

DESCRIPTION: Two electroscopes are charged with equal and opposite charges. The electroscopes are then connected by a clean rod of acrylic (left), that does not conduct, and of metal (right) that will discharge both electroscopes when it contacts both.

SUGGESTIONS:

REFERENCES: (PIRA 5A30.10)

EQUIPMENT: Two electroscopes, positive and negative charging materials, aluminum wire, wooden stick.

SETUP TIME: None.