Definition

A device that shows whether something has an electric charge by using metal parts that move apart or come together.

Example

The scientist used an electroscope to check if the object was electrically charged.

Conversation

Have you ever seen an electroscope in action?

No, I haven't! What does it do?

It detects electric charges using metal foils that move apart or together.

That sounds really cool! I would love to try it out.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Electroscope → It is formed from "electro-" (from Greek "ēlektron", meaning amber or electricity) and "-scope" (from Greek "skopein", meaning to look or examine). The word refers to an instrument used to look at or examine electric charge.

Memory Tip

Think of 'electricity' ('electro-') and 'looking' ('-scope') to remember that an electroscope is a device for examining electric charge.

Visually Confused Words