Electric charge on rubbed objects

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the phenomenon of electric charge transfer when different materials, such as glass, fur, and ebonite rods, are rubbed together. Glass and fur acquire a positive charge, while ebonite and plastic gain a negative charge due to the transfer of electrons. This transfer occurs because electrons are more tightly bound in insulators, leading to a specific pattern of charge distribution based on the materials involved. Understanding the electron affinity of different substances is crucial in explaining this behavior.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic electrostatics
  • Familiarity with materials science, particularly insulators and conductors
  • Knowledge of electron affinity and its role in charge transfer
  • Concept of triboelectric effect and its implications
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the triboelectric series to understand material charge tendencies
  • Study the principles of electron affinity in various materials
  • Explore the role of insulators in charge retention and transfer
  • Investigate practical applications of static electricity in technology
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, materials scientists, and educators looking to deepen their understanding of electrostatic phenomena and the behavior of charged objects.

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When two objects say glass, fur, plastic, ebonite rod etc are rubbed with each other then why is it that glass rod, wool, fur gain positive charge while ebonite rod, plastic rod gain negative charge? I know that it's because of transfer of electrons...but why does the transfer of electrons happen in a specific way itself?
 
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The electrons are more or less tightly bound in the various materials, most tightly bound in an insulator.
 

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