How Can You Measure Electrostatic Charge in a DIY Experiment?

In summary, the person is looking for help designing an experiment to determine if the number of rubs of a piece of mica against a piece of wool is proportional to the charge it gains. They are missing a way to measure the charge and are seeking advice. The suggested method involves using an oscilloscope with a high input impedance and recording the trace to determine the RC value. The person also mentions that they are unsure of how much charge can be obtained on the mica and wishes the person good luck.
  • #1
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Hello, I needed some help for my physics homework. The aim is to design an experiment that answers the question: Is the number of rubs of a piece of mica (that bag where you put documents to file them or to protect them, often made of plastic. Here is a Pic: http://images.segundamano.com.mx/2011/03/01/6057833/19405116.jpg ) against a piece of wool directly proportional to the charge that it gains? The only thing I'm missing is a way to measure the charge, Could you give me a hand?
Sincerely Gabriel De la Torre
 
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  • #2
Don't know if this would be sufficiently sensitive, but:
get an oscilloscope with a high input impedance (standard probes are Z = 10MΩ), charge your mica, set the sweep speed to something like 1 us/division, and record the trace: it should look like V0e-t/RC where R = 'scope input Z, C = capacitance between your mica and ground; then V0 = Q/C where Q is the charge you initially put on the mica. All units SI.

You find RC at the time point when the voltage is about 0.37V0.

Example: Z = 10MΩ, C = 1 pF, then RC = 10us = t at 0.37V0, and then Q = 1e-12/V0.

What I don't have a good feel for is how much charge you can get onto the mica. In order for the above to be feasible you would need V0 at least 10 mV (probably; depends on your scope sensitivity), so 1e-2V = Q/1e-12F or Q should be at least about 1e-14 C. That's about 62,000 electrons.




Good luck!
 

FAQ: How Can You Measure Electrostatic Charge in a DIY Experiment?

What is an electrostatic charge experiment?

An electrostatic charge experiment is a scientific investigation that involves the study of electric charges, their interactions, and their effects on various materials.

What materials are commonly used in electrostatic charge experiments?

Common materials used in electrostatic charge experiments include balloons, fur, and different types of cloth such as silk and wool. Metal objects, such as aluminum foil and paper clips, are also commonly used.

How do you create an electrostatic charge in an experiment?

An electrostatic charge can be created by rubbing two materials together, such as a balloon and a wool cloth, or by using an electric generator. The rubbing or friction between the two materials causes a transfer of electrons, resulting in a build-up of electric charge.

What are some applications of electrostatic charge experiments?

Electrostatic charge experiments have various applications in everyday life, such as in air purifiers, printers, and electrostatic precipitators used in industrial processes. They are also used in scientific research, such as in the study of lightning and the behavior of electrically charged particles in space.

What safety precautions should be taken during an electrostatic charge experiment?

Safety precautions should always be taken during electrostatic charge experiments to avoid any potential hazards. This includes wearing protective gear, such as gloves and goggles, and ensuring that the experiment is conducted in a well-ventilated area. It is also important to follow proper procedures for handling and disposing of materials, especially those that may be flammable or toxic.

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