Questions

Answer:

The charge on the electroscope is positive.

Explanation:

1. Initial State of the Electroscope:

   • The leaves of the electroscope are slightly separated, which indicates that the electroscope is already charged.
   • Since bringing a positively charged rod near the electroscope causes the leaves to spread farther apart, the electroscope must already have a positive charge.

2. Effect of the Positively Charged Rod:

   • A positively charged rod near the sphere of the electroscope repels positive charges in the electroscope (like charges repel).
   • This repulsion forces even more positive charge toward the leaves, increasing the separation between the leaves.

3. Conclusion:

   • The electroscope was initially positively charged because the positive rod caused further repulsion and an increase in the separation of the leaves.

Diagram Explanation (to Draw):

1. Initial State:

   • Show the electroscope with positive charges distributed throughout the sphere, stem, and leaves.
   • The leaves are slightly separated due to like charges.

2. When the Positive Rod is Brought Near:

   • Indicate that the positive charges in the sphere are repelled further down toward the stem and leaves.
   • This increases the concentration of positive charge in the leaves, causing them to spread farther apart.