How does a metal leaf electroscope work

Answer: An electroscope is a device that detects static electricity by using thin metal or plastic leaves, which separate when charged ... Electrical charges move to the metal and down to the foil leaves, which then repel each other. Since each leaf has the same charge (positive or negative), they repel each other.

An object with a suspected static electric charge is brought near the metal plate or ball of the electroscope. Electrical charges move to the metal and down to the foil leaves, which then repel each other. Since each leaf has the same charge (positive or negative), they repel each other.