Describe how an uncharged pith ball suspended from a string can be used to test whether an object is charged. Predict what will happen when an uncharged pith ball is brought near one of the poles of the magnet. Explain.

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Desirae Lopez

Physics

23 January, 00:33

Describe how an uncharged pith ball suspended from a string can be used to test whether an object is charged. Predict what will happen when an uncharged pith ball is brought near one of the poles of the magnet. Explain.

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Ishaan Kidd · Answer 1

Pithball electroscope is used to determine if any object has static charge.

It consists of one or two small balls of a lightweight non-conductive substance. When this material is moved near an object having static charge, polarization will be induced in the atoms of pithballs which will either attract or repel the object depending on the nature of the charge in it.

It will not move in case it is brought near to a neutral object.

Similarly, the pith ball will move when it will brought into the magnetic field of the magnet as it will also induce polarization within the atoms of the pithballs.