Creating static charge at a distance.

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter res3210
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Charge Static
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the possibility of creating an isolated point charge at a distance without direct contact with the object to be charged. It explores methods of charging through various means, including electromagnetic radiation and electric fields, and the concept of induction.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the feasibility of creating a point charge without contact, specifically asking if electrons can be stripped from an object without direct interaction.
  • Another participant suggests that charging can occur without contact through methods such as energetic electromagnetic radiation or strong electric fields, emphasizing that some form of causal influence is necessary.
  • A third participant introduces the concept of "Charging by Induction" as a method to charge an object without direct contact, providing a reference for further reading.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple approaches to charging without contact, indicating that there are competing views on the methods available. The discussion does not reach a consensus on the best approach or the feasibility of the initial question posed.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the definitions of contact and the mechanisms of charging, which may not be universally agreed upon. The effectiveness of the proposed methods may depend on specific conditions not fully explored in the thread.

res3210
Messages
47
Reaction score
0
Is there any way to create an isolated point charge without any contact with the matter which one wishes to charge? I recognize that this would mean stripping off electrons from the substance, so I suppose my question is: is there any way to strip off electrons without having to specifically contact the object which one wishes to charge?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Define 'contact'. You can do it with a pulse of sufficiently energetic EM radiation, a strong electric field, etc. So, it can be done without matter touching matter. However, there has to be some sort of direct causal influence: in the examples I mentioned, field interacting with the matter.
 
res3210, Welcome to Physics Forums!

Yes, an object can be charged without direct contact by the method called "Induction". You can Google that or just have a look here:

“Charging by induction
Induction charging is a method used to charge an object without actually touching the object to any other charged object.”
See especially the section “Charging a Two-Sphere System Using a Negatively Charged Object” at: http://www.physicsclassroom.com/Class/estatics/U8l2b.cfm
 
Thanks for the information, guys.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
8K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K