Gold leaf

Electroscope
Detects Static
Electricity
By HAROLD P. STRAND

A PIECE of gold foil installed in

a discarded light bulb makes
an inexpensive demonstration
electroscope that will detect very
tiny electrical charges. All parts ex-
cept the gold leaves can be found in
the ordinary scrap box. Gold leaf When a charged object such as this plastic rod rubbed with silk
approaches the brass disc, the gold leaves separate, because
costs few cents at any sign painter's like charges repel. The amount of separation is proportional to
supply house. the charge.
Obtain a 150-watt clear lamp bulb,
a size often used in stores and offices.
Pry off the brass disc at the end of
the base with diagonal pliers. Then
use long nose pliers to break away
the tapered glass at the end of the
lamp seal which gives access to the
filament support inside. Be SURE to
wear safety glasses.
Tap lightly with a metal rod and
mallet to break the glass filament
supports. Then smooth up the edges
of the lamp base with pliers or
reamer. Make the base by cutting a Tap lightly against a metat rod to break out the filament
7/8-in. recess in a 3-1/2 -in. dia. support.
disc of black plastic or wood, and
cement the bulb in place with epoxy
or the metal filler available in auto
body shops. Clean the inside of the
bulb and add a small quantity of
silica gel which helps to absorb mois-
ture and prevent leakage of static
electricity.
Make the gold leaf support of a
brass rod, and fit into a rubber
stopper. A turn of plastic tape will
give you a tight fit. Solder the brass
disc to the top of the rod. The gold
leaf is very fragile. Use sharp scissors
to cut a piece 5/16x1-3/4in. Put a
drop of Pliobond cement on the top
of the bent rod, and carefully install
the leaf. You must do it right the
first time since the leaf cannot be
shifted once it is placed.
Carefully lower the rod into the
lamp bulb, and your electroscope is
ready for use.
OCTOBER, 1962 105