A versorium is a device that is used to detect a static charge. Its name means “thing used for turning”. It was given this name by its inventor about 400 years ago. Although times have changed, yet the principles that affected this tool haven’t.
Things Required:
Metal paper clip
Paper
A piece of wool or felt
A pair of scissors
Plastic comb or pen
Magic Words: Doing the experiment in a transparent cup will prevent breezes from upsetting the delicate balance of the versorium.
Directions:
Unbend the larger arch of a paper clip. Position the smaller arch as a flat base. The unbent section should project straight up.
Draw the pattern shown below on a sheet of paper and use a pair of scissors to cut it out.
Put a slight downward crease along the dotted lines. Where they meet is the centre of balance. Gently balance this pointer onto the paper clip.
Charge up a plastic comb or pen with a piece of wool or felt. Bring the pen close to the versorium. What do you observe? Can you get the pointer to spin in an entire circle?
This Is What Happens:
The charged comb induced a positive region in the folded paper. This positive region and the negative comb attracted each other. The force was great enough to spin the pointer in any direction.
