Charged objects attracted to neutral objects

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the phenomenon of charged objects being attracted to neutral objects, exploring the underlying mechanisms and implications of this interaction. The scope includes conceptual explanations and technical reasoning related to electrostatics.

Discussion Character

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

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions why charged objects are attracted to neutral objects, noting that electrons and protons are not attracted to neutrons.
  • Another participant suggests that charged objects can induce a dipole moment in neutral objects, leading to a weak attraction.
  • A participant requests a simplified explanation of the dipole moment concept.
  • One explanation describes how a negatively charged particle repels electrons in a neutral particle, resulting in a separation of charge within the neutral particle, creating a dipole.
  • A participant raises a question about why a charged balloon sticks to a wall without losing charge, expressing confusion about charge movement.
  • Some participants assert that charge cannot move from the balloon to the wall, citing the insulating properties of the balloon's skin and the eventual detachment of the balloon.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the mechanism of charge induction and the insulating nature of the balloon, but there is some uncertainty regarding the specifics of charge movement and the conditions under which the balloon remains attached to the wall.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions about charge movement, the definitions of insulation, and the conditions affecting the balloon's adhesion to the wall that remain unresolved.

member 529879
Why are charged objects attracted to neutral objects? If I'm correct, electrons and protons aren't attracted to neutrons.
 
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Charge objects can induce a dipole moment on neutral objects, and thereby have a weak attraction. Is that what you're referring too?
 
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I think so. Can you explain what that means as simply as possible?
 
Imagine bringing a negatively charged particle close to a neutral one. The electrons in the neutral particle will be repulsed by the negative particle and try to move away leaving the protons on the near side of the neutral particle and the electrons on the far side of the neutral particle. This creates a neutral particle with a net positive charge on one side and a net negative charge on the other.
 
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Okay that makes sense, but when you take a charged object like a balloon and touch it to a wall it sticks. Why doesn't some of that charge on the balloon move to the wall causing the balloon to fall off?
 
I don't think the charge can move from the balloon to the wall.
 
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jasonleroy said:
I don't think the charge can move from the balloon to the wall.
Agreed. Ballon skin is an insulator and so charge can't flow to/from wall from/to parts of balloon skin not actually in contact with wall. In fact, balloon skin isn't a perfect insulator, and balloon falls off sooner or later. [Also the air isn't a perfect insulator.]
 

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