They repel each other and diverge.
Explanation
The electroscope is a simple device used to detect the presence of an electric charge on a body. Its working is based on the fundamental principle of electrostatics regarding the interaction between similar charges.
Mechanism of Action:
- A simple electroscope typically consists of a vertical metal rod housed in a glass jar, with two thin metallic strips (leaves) attached to the bottom end.
- When a charged object touches the metal knob at the top of the rod, the charge flows down the conductor to the metallic strips.
- Consequently, both strips acquire the same type of charge (either both positive or both negative).
- According to the fundamental law of electrostatics, like charges repel each other. This repulsive force causes the strips to move away from one another, or diverge.
- The degree of divergence is generally proportional to the amount of charge transferred.
Key Takeaway:
Metallic strips in an electroscope diverge because they acquire the same polarity of charge, and like charges exert a repulsive force on each other.