Construction and testing of an improvised leaf electroscope (ILE)

Abstract

This study aimed to construct and test the improvised leaf electroscope (ILE) for Physics Laboratory experiments. It was only limited on the construction and testing of ILE. The finished products replaced the existing electroscope and provide hands – on learning experience to the students. The Improvised Leaf Electroscope was made of Erlen Meyer flask as chamber. Its major parts were the following: a) the metal rod which will serve as the stem and the knob b) cork stopper which will hold the aluminum leaves mounted on the metal rod, and c) aluminum foil which will serve as the leaves. The materials needed are locally available and less expensive. Nine samples of ILE were constructed in order to test which samples can produce the highest approximate angle of deflection. Three various ways of test were made with three trials for each testing. Results reveal that copper rod is the best metal stem to use with an approximate measured angle of deflection of 260. The appropriate length of the rod is 6 inches with 460 approximate measured angles of deflection. And the suitable width of aluminum leaves is 0.5 cm with 300 approximate measured angle of deflection. In order to improve the operation of the ILE, it is highly recommended to produce a good quality of plastic rod and woolen cloth in order to attain maximum results and not to depend on the imported rod and cloth.