The Theory of Mechanical Electrometers Available to Purchase

The theory of a generalized mechanical electrometer is developed in terms of the direct capacitances and potential differences between each pair of conductors comprising the electrometer, regardless of which is the movable conductor. A criterion is established for stable static equilibrium of the movable conductor. A distinction is made between voltage and charge measurements. General expressions are obtained for voltage and charge sensitivities, period, and the magnitude of random fluctuations in position of the movable conductor.