Why would dust be attracted to a CD wiped with a dry cloth?

kdkovach

In terms of physics, why is dust attracted to CD's after they are wiped with a dry cloth?

pmb_phy

During the wiping process either electrons are transferred to the cloth from the CD or from the CD to the cloth. In either case the CD becomes charged. The charge produces an electric field which polarizes dust particles near it and the polarized dust particles are then attracted to the charged CD.

Pete

kdkovach

Thank you so much Pete. That helps a lot.