Acrylic rods, when used in electrostatic experiments, serve various purposes. Let’s explore some of their applications:

1. Charging by Rubbing:

   • Acrylic rods can be charged by rubbing them with certain materials. For instance:
     • Rubbing an acrylic rod with cellophane generates a net charge.
     • Alternatively, rubbing it with rabbit fur also produces a charge.
     • The same principle applies to other materials like rubber rods and glass rods rubbed with silk.
   • These charged rods can be used to demonstrate electrostatic effects. An electroscope can indicate the presence of charge.
   • The process involves transferring electrons between the rod and the material it’s rubbed against.

2. Electrophorus (Induction Paddle):

   • The electrophorus is a device that demonstrates charging by induction.
   • Here’s how it works:
     1. Rub an insulating stand’s acrylic sheet with rabbit fur to give it a negative charge.
     2. Place a metal paddle (insulated handle) in contact with the charged acrylic sheet.
     3. The negative charge on the acrylic repels electrons in the metal paddle, resulting in an overall neutral charge.
     4. Touch the top of the metal plate with your finger, allowing electrons to move off the plate onto the ground.
     5. The plate is left with a net positive charge.
     6. Students can observe the charge using an electroscope or by proximity to their hand.
     7. The metal paddle can be recharged multiple times without re-rubbing the acrylic sheet.

3. Demonstrating Like and Unlike Charges:

   • Acrylic rods are useful for demonstrating attraction and repulsion between charges.
   • By using a charged rod on a pivot, you can show how like charges repel and unlike charges attract.
   • Note that this demo may not work well on humid days.

4. Other Applications:

   • Beyond electrostatics, acrylic rods find use in various contexts:
     • Fish aquariums: Acrylic rods are used for structural support and as dividers.
     • Decoration pieces: Their transparency and versatility make them ideal for artistic creations.
     • Management systems: Acrylic rods are employed in displays, signage, and organizational setups.