Dielectric Charges: Explaining Why They Don't Attract

[superslow991]

can someone in detail explain to me why can't a dielectric attract charges?

 

[TJGilb]

Typically a dielectric is a neutrally charged polarizable material. When you apply an electric field, such as in a capacitor, the electric field will polarize it, inducing a smaller electric field in the opposite direction.

But yeah, the quick answer is that it doesn't have a net positive or negative charge.

 

[sophiecentaur]

The induced polarisation in a dielectric can cause attraction. Dust particles are attracted to a charged rod even when they have no net charge.
So the OP is not strictly accurate except in a uniform field.

 

[TJGilb]

The induced polarisation in a dielectric can cause attraction. Dust particles are attracted to a charged rod even when they have no net charge.
So the OP is not strictly accurate except in a uniform field.

This is also true. Any induced charge will create it's own electric field as I said, which can interact with charges the way any other electric field would.

 

[superslow991]

This is also true. Any induced charge will create it's own electric field as I said, which can interact with charges the way any other electric field would.

I know that they can attract but just wanted to know in an instance where charges wouldn't attract. Thanks for the replys