Static electricity and method of seperating

In summary, the figure shows a method where conducting and non-conducting spheres are separated using electrostatics. The conducting spheres fall off from the roller because the mobile charges (electrons) in the conductor readily flow, reducing the positive charge as it traverses the arc. On the other hand, the non-conducting spheres have to be scrapped off as the mobile charges do not move easily, causing them to hold onto the charge at the surface.
  • #1
winston
2
0
The figure below shows an electrostatic method of separating conducting and non-conducting spheres

scan.jpg


Why do the conducting spheres fall off from the roller while the non-conducting spheres have to be scrapped off?



Thanks for the help.
Cheers,
Winston
 
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  • #2
What is the significance of conducting?
 
  • #3
Not too sure... Is the answer something about non-conductors holding the charge at the surface but charges in conductors flow throughout the material. But I thought that all the spheres will become negatively charged upon contact with the negatively charged roller.

HELP. THANKS
 
  • #4
Is the answer something about non-conductors holding the charge at the surface but charges in conductors flow throughout the material.
Yes.

For the non-conducting material, the mobile charges (electrons) do not move so readily, so electrons will not flow onto the positively charged non-conducting material

In the 'conductor', the mobile charges (electrons) readily flow thus reducing the positive charge while the conducting material traverses the arc.
 

1. What is static electricity?

Static electricity is the build-up of electric charge on the surface of an object. This charge is caused by the movement of electrons, which are negatively charged particles, from one object to another. When two objects come into contact, electrons can transfer from one to the other, causing one object to become positively charged and the other to become negatively charged.

2. How is static electricity different from current electricity?

Static electricity is different from current electricity because it is the result of a build-up of electric charge on the surface of an object, whereas current electricity is the flow of electric charge through a conductor. Static electricity usually occurs in insulating materials, while current electricity occurs in conductors.

3. What are some examples of static electricity in everyday life?

Some examples of static electricity in everyday life include rubbing a balloon on your hair and sticking it to a wall, getting a shock when touching a doorknob, and seeing your hair stand up after taking off a hat. Static electricity can also cause clothes to cling together in the dryer, or make a crackling sound when walking on carpet.

4. How can static electricity be separated?

The most common method of separating static electricity is through grounding. This involves connecting the charged object to the ground or a large conductive surface, which allows the excess electrons to flow away and neutralizes the charge. Another method is by using insulating materials, which prevent the flow of electrons and can hold a static charge for longer periods of time.

5. Can static electricity be dangerous?

In most cases, static electricity is not dangerous. However, it can be a cause of fires or explosions in certain environments, such as when handling flammable materials. It can also be a nuisance, causing discomfort or damage to electronic devices. In rare cases, a static shock can be strong enough to cause mild pain or startle a person, but it is not typically harmful to health.

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