Physics: Electrostatics?

Question

An electroscope is a simple device consisting of a metal ball that is attached by a conductor to two thin leaves of metal foil protected from air disturbances in a jar. When the ball is touched by a charged body, the leaves of foil that normally hang straight down spread apart. WHY???

Answer 1

Any charge the ball picks up is shared by the leaves through the conducting wire, so they will become charged, and repel each other.