Atoms and electrons when one object is rubbed on another

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter benzun_1999
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Atoms Electrons
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the behavior of atoms and electrons when two objects are rubbed together, exploring the mechanisms of charge transfer, the formation and breaking of chemical bonds, and the implications of friction on material wear. The scope includes theoretical and conceptual aspects of atomic interactions and electrostatics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that weak chemical bonds form and break between atoms at the surfaces of the materials during rubbing.
  • Others propose that electrons can be transferred from one object to another, resulting in electrostatic charging, though only a few atoms may gain or lose electrons.
  • One participant questions the claim that atoms are not significantly moved, citing tire wear on racing motorcycles as an example of significant atom removal due to friction.
  • Another participant clarifies that while atoms can be removed due to high static friction, this removal is a byproduct rather than a direct result of the friction itself.
  • A participant expresses uncertainty about the validity of the previous comments but acknowledges the practical significance of tire wear.
  • One contribution discusses the role of polar covalent bonding and electronegativity in charge distribution during interactions, though the participant expresses uncertainty about their understanding.
  • A later post introduces a question about the production of heat due to friction and its relation to electromagnetic waves.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the significance of atom movement during friction, with some supporting the idea that it is negligible while others argue it can be significant. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications of friction and charge transfer.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the assumptions made about the scale of atomic movement and the definitions of friction and wear. Some mathematical or physical principles related to these concepts are not fully explored.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those studying materials science, electrostatics, or the physics of friction, as well as individuals curious about the atomic interactions involved in everyday phenomena.

benzun_1999
Messages
260
Reaction score
0
dear reader,
what is happening to the atoms and electrons when one object is rubbed on another?

-benzun
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
Weak chemical bonds are forming and being broken repeatedly between atoms near or on the surfaces of the materials.

- Warren
 
and

in some cases a few electrons are dragged off of one object by the other object causing the two objects to be electrostatically charged.

Only a few of the atoms in the entire material will gain or lose an electron (if any at all). None of the atoms are moved (not significantly at least).
 
Originally posted by Chi Meson
and


Only a few of the atoms in the entire material will gain or lose an electron (if any at all). None of the atoms are moved (not significantly at least).

Have you seen tyre wear on a racing motorcycle? Surely this is 'significant' removal of atoms? (Or am I being pedantic?)
 
Originally posted by Adrian Baker
Have you seen tyre wear on a racing motorcycle? Surely this is 'significant' removal of atoms? (Or am I being pedantic?)
Atoms can be removed BECAUSE OF high static friction, but the removal isn't part of the friction itself, its a biproduct. The static friction force would be higher in that case than the force holding the tire together. Kinda nitpicky, but there is a difference.
 
Yeah, what he said!
 
Actually, I thought it was a good and valid comment, and it was taking me a while to come back with an answer, but Russ's answer was better than mine!
 
Not sure about the validity, but with the amount I spend on tyres I kinda feel it is significant!
 
according to your answer...the electrons are dragged the item and are possitely or negatively charged, but also many items act differently due to polar covalent bonding, where a compound electronegativety acts as a charge where as the substance is slightly positive as well as slightly negative...they product of reaction occurs for whatever part has the greater negativity...I think...lol
 
  • #10
hey...

How is heat produced due to friction? what has electromagnetic wave got to do with it?
 

Similar threads

High School Conductors in the triboelectric series
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Undergrad Meaning of "Static Electricity" and Physical Interpretation
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
2K
High School Why does a magnet attract metal objects?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
High School How is surface charge accumulated?
  • · Replies 36 ·
2
Replies
36
Views
7K
Undergrad What Difference Does Voltage Level Make to An Atom?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
11K
High School What happens when electrons flow in two opposite directions in an electrical circuit?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
High School Understanding Excess Electrons and Their Impact on Charged Objects
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
High School Electric charge on rubbed objects
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Undergrad Why does my hand create a static discharge when I touch a metal object?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
4K
Reason for glass rod losing electrons
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K