where L is the length of the insulated portion of the plate, b the thickness AB, and F the weight attached in kilogrammes. Q is then given in electrostatic units.
Suppose, for example, that it is required to measure the current between the plates CD (Fig. 21) due to some radio-active material on the plate C, for a given difference of potential between C and D. At a given instant the connection of the quadrants of the electrometer with the earth is broken. The weight is attached to the quartz plate, and is held in the hand so as to apply the tension gradually. This causes a release of electricity opposite in sign to that given to the plate D. The electrometer needle is kept at the position of rest as nearly as possible by adjusting the tension by hand. The tension being fully applied, the moment the needle commences to move steadily from zero is noted. The current between the plates CD is then given by Q/t where t is the time of the observation. The value of Q is known from the weight attached.
In this method the electrometer is only used as a detector to show that the system is kept at zero potential. No knowledge of the capacity of the insulated system is required. With practice, measurements of the current can be made in this way with rapidity and certainty.
