Measurements of electrical potential of constant charge objects

Direct and compensating methods of potential measurements on constant charge objects are discussed in the paper. It is generally known, that in case of potential measurements using direct method the total capacitance of the investigated object is enlarged by additional capacitance introduced by the meter and the corresponding voltage value is lower in comparison to that in a non disturbed state. Discussion of the compensation method of potential measurements on constant charge objects in the context of validity of Gauss law leads to the conclusion that the measured values of potential will be higher and the total capacitance of the object will be smaller in comparison to the state non disturbed by the compensating head (probe). Cases of high and low capacitance objects were considered. The effect of capacitance reduction was illustrated by the "potential measurements of the Q-constant object, surrounded by the compensating electrode" experiment. Conclusions coming from the discussion were confirmed experimentally.