Understanding Charge Separation in the Presence of Static Electricity

AI Thread Summary
When a negatively charged plastic rod is brought near an insulated metal object, the electrons in the metal are repelled by the rod's negative charge, leading to charge separation within the metal. This movement causes negative charges to accumulate on the side of the metal closest to the rod, while positive charges are left on the opposite side. The resulting forces create a situation where the repulsion of negative charges and the attraction of positive charges must be considered to understand the overall effect. The metal object does not move away from the rod; instead, it experiences an internal redistribution of charge. Understanding this phenomenon is crucial for grasping the principles of static electricity and charge interaction.
ChunkymonkeyI
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Homework Statement




What should happen to the electrons in a insulated metal object when a negatively charged plastic rod is brought near the insulated metal


The Attempt at a Solution


I thought the electrons will repel each other and the insulated object will move away from the rod but I don't think I'm right can someone back me up on this and explain their answer for my question
 
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Electrons are free to move in the metal. They will be repelled by the charge on the rod as you say, but they will move on the metal, causing a charge separation. There will be repulsion of the negative charges gathered on one side and attraction of the positive charge leftover on the other side. You'll have to have your wits about you to figure out which force is stronger.
 

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