Electrostatics
A kind of force. Does it fit in the Newtonian picture?
- Charge electroscope with rubber rod which has been rubbed with fur. Gold leaves separate.
- Bring same rubber rod close to top of electroscope. observe leaves separate further.
- Bring glass rod (rubbed with silk) close to top of electroscope. observe leaves approach each other.
- Now repeat experiment, but charge with glass rod. Gold leaves still separate.
- Now rubber rod causes leaves to approach each other.
- Glass rod causes leaves to separate.
Similar Experiments with insulating “Pith Balls”
Explanation?
- There exist two kinds of charge. (Ben Franklin, 1751)
- Unlike charges attract Like charges repel