Charged objects and the force between them?

In summary, the process of charge by induction causes a force of attraction between a charged body and a neutral one by creating opposing charges on the objects' ends. In the case of a negatively charged plastic rod and a neutral plastic rod, the neutral rod's insulating properties prevent the movement of free electrons, but slight shifts in charge on a microscopic scale still result in a net imbalance of charge on a larger scale. This explains how the two objects can attract each other, despite the lack of free electrons in the neutral rod.
  • #1
manjuvenamma
102
0
I read that charge by induction precedes force of attraction between a charged body and a neutral one. That is, the nearer end of the body gets oppositely charged when a charged body is brought closer to the neutral one. Since we now have 2 oppositely charged objects (object parts) closely spaced, the force of attraction takes of place. Now my question is about a negatively charged plastic rod brought closer to a neutral plastic rod. The 2 attract each other. How is charge by induction taking place in the neutral rod. The neutral rod, being an insulator does not have free electrons - insulators do not conduct because they do not have free electrons - then, how is positve charge formed on the neutral one at the nearer end to the negatively charged plastic rod?
 
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  • #2
Charges in insulators cannot roam around freely like in conductors, but they can still shift position slightly on an atomic or molecular scale. This is enough to produce a small net imbalance of charge on a macroscopic scale.
 
  • #3
Thanks, I should believe it.
 

1. What is the force between charged objects?

The force between charged objects is known as the electrostatic force. It is the force that two charged objects exert on each other due to their electric charges. This force can either be attractive or repulsive depending on the charges of the objects.

2. How is the force between charged objects calculated?

The force between charged objects is calculated using Coulomb's Law, which states that the force is directly proportional to the product of the charges and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the objects. The formula for calculating this force is F = k(q1q2)/r^2, where k is the proportionality constant, q1 and q2 are the charges of the objects, and r is the distance between them.

3. What factors affect the force between charged objects?

The force between charged objects is affected by two main factors: the magnitude of the charges and the distance between the objects. The greater the charges, the stronger the force, and the closer the objects, the stronger the force. Additionally, the type of charges (positive or negative) also affects the direction of the force.

4. Can the force between charged objects be shielded?

Yes, the force between charged objects can be shielded by placing a conducting material between them. This is because the conducting material allows the charges to move freely, thereby neutralizing the electric field and reducing the force between the objects.

5. How does the force between charged objects affect their motion?

The force between charged objects can affect their motion by causing them to attract or repel each other. This can result in either an increase or decrease in the speed and direction of their motion. In some cases, the force may be strong enough to overcome other forces and cause the objects to move towards or away from each other.

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