Question

A glass rod rubbed with silk is used to charge a gold leaf electroscope, and the leaves are observed to diverge. The electroscope is then charged with X-rays for a short period. Then the leaves will:

• A. remain unaffected
• B. diverge further
• C. converge
• D. go back to the neutral position

Hint:

X-rays can ionize air molecules, decreasing the charge on the leaves and increasing divergence in an electroscope.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understand the effect of X-rays on the charge.
X-rays can ionize the air around the gold leaf electroscope. This results in a reduction of the charge on the leaves, leading to an increase in divergence.
Step 2: Explanation of the answer.
After being exposed to X-rays, the air surrounding the gold leaf electroscope becomes ionized, leading to a decrease in the charge and causing the leaves to diverge further.
Final Answer: \[ \boxed{\text{B) Diverge further}} \]