Page:Radio-activity.djvu/110

 '''59. Electrometers.''' Although the electroscope can be used with advantage in special cases, it is limited in its application. The most generally convenient apparatus for measurement of ionization currents through gases is one of the numerous types of quadrant electrometer. With the help of auxiliary capacities, the electrometer can be used to measure currents with accuracy over a wide range, and can be employed for practically every kind of measurement required in radio-activity.

The elementary theory of the symmetrical quadrant electrometer as given in the text-books is very imperfect. It is deduced that the sensibility of the electrometer—measured by the deflection of the needle for 1 volt between the quadrants—varies directly as the potential of the charged needle, provided that this potential is high compared with the between the quadrants. In most electrometers however, the sensibility rises to a maximum, and then decreases with increase of potential of the needle. For electrometers in which the needle lies close to the quadrants, this maximum sensibility is obtained for a comparatively low potential of the needle. A theory of the quadrant electrometer, accounting for this action, has been recently given by G. W. Walker. The effect appears to be due to the presence of the air space that necessarily exists between adjoining quadrants.

Fig. 14.

Suppose that it is required to measure with an electrometer the ionization current between two horizontal metal plates A and B (Fig. 14) on the lower of which some active material has been spread. If the saturation current is required, the insulated plate A is connected with one pole of a battery of sufficient to produce saturation, the other pole being connected to earth. The insulated plate B is connected with one pair of quadrants of the electrometer, the other pair being earthed. By means of a suitable key K, the plate B and the pair of quadrants connected with it may be