Basic Electrometer - ES-9078

Center-Zero Meter: Polarity is indicated directly.

Switch-Selectable Ranges: 3, 10, 30, and 100 VDC. LED lights indicate the range in use.

Zeroing Switch: Removes all charge from the input and brings the meter to zero.

Automatic Shutoff: Turns off about 3 hours after turned on (or used in any way).

Output Compatible with PASCO Interfaces: The interface cable included with the Electrometer connects to an analog channel on an 850 or 550 Universal Interface or a PASPORT interface through an Analog Adapter. This enables the output signal from the Electrometer to be recorded, displayed, and analyzed by PASCO software.

Battery Operation: 4 “AA” cells included. Range indicator lights flash when batteries need to be replaced.

Quantitative Readout: The linear scale is a major advantage of the Electrometer. While an electroscope is only roughly quantitative, the Electrometer produces readings to ±3%. Verify physical laws and to determine if relations are linear or exponential. The Electrometer allows the student to measure rather than just observe.

Direct Polarity Indication: Where polarity distinction is required, the electroscope is inconvenient; a known reference charge must be used. The Electrometer, by contrast, directly indicates polarity on a center-zero meter.

Adjustable Sensitivity: The full scale sensitivity of the Electrometer is adjustable. Unlike the electroscope where the experiment must be adjusted to the measuring instrument, the Electrometer adjusts to the experiment.

High Sensitivity: Increases the variety and scope of electrostatics demonstrations. Many electrostatics demonstrations theoretically possible with an electroscope are difficult because of the 100,000 VDC and higher voltages required. Such voltages are difficult to work with and hard to measure.

Large Display Capability: Although the unit is designed for small group use, the Electrometer may be connected easily (cable included) to a 550 or 850 Universal Interface. With the use of PASCO software, a meter display that fits the monitor can be produced.