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Quadrant Electrometer

Physics

A tall brass removable cylinder topped by a long, narrow, 20 cm brass cylindrical projection. The cylinder is mounted on a circular base supported on three adjustable metal legs. The main cylinder has a small square black-framed glass window cut in it.

With the cylinder cover removed, the interior pieces are revealed. There are four orange-coloured plastic-type pillars set on a round bakelite base. On top of the pillars are four brass circle quadrants, that form a circle with a circular hole in centre. The remnants of fine springs are connected to two smaller resin pillars off to one side and to each of the brass quadrants.

Accession Number: 2009.ph.27

Alternative Name:

Primary Materials: Metal, Glass

Markings:

Old catalog number “PHY 1032” is taped around the metal rod.

A small “53” is printed into the metal on the top of the main cylinder.

Dimensions (cm):

Height = 42cm, Base diameter = 13.5, Distance between legs = 17

Function:

Used to measure electrostatic potential difference/electric charge.

Condition:

1 quadrant/section of range protoplastic component has become dislodged along with its metal attachments. Wire and the interior mirror are missing. Some wear, scratches and corrosion. Two of the legs are bent.

Associated Instruments:

Manufacturer: Unknown

Date of Manufacture: c. 1900

Provenance:

Additional Information and References:

Historical Notes:

<a href=http://physics.kenyon.edu/EarlyApparatus/Electrical_Measurements/Quandrant_Electrometer/Quadrant_Electrometer.html>Some alternative Quadrant Electrometers</a> from Kenyon College.

Information on the <a href=https://www.orau.org/ptp/collection/electrometers/quadrantelectrometer.htm>Quadrant Electrometer</a> from Oak Ridge Associated Universities.

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