Electrical Charge Distribution on a Metal Teapot

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the charge distribution of a neutral metal teapot when a positively charged glass rod is brought near it. The consensus is that excess negative charge will accumulate on the side of the teapot closest to the rod, while an equal amount of positive charge will be present on the side furthest from the rod, resulting in an overall neutral charge. The correct answer is option e, which states that the teapot remains neutral overall with negative charge on the side closest to the rod and positive charge on the side furthest away. This conclusion is based on the principles of electrostatic induction.

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Homework Statement



A positively charged glass rod is brought near to (but not touching) a neutral metal teapot. What will be the charge distribution on the teapot?

Homework Equations



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The Attempt at a Solution


This is a multiple choice question, and the possible answers are:
-Excess negative charge will be created and it will be concentrated on the side of the teapot furthest from the rod.

a) Excess positive charge will be created and it will be concentrated on the side of the teapot closest to the rod.

b) Excess negative charge will be created and it will be concentrated on the side of the teapot closest to the rod.

c) The teapot will remain neutral overall with positive charge on the side of the teapot closest to the rod and an equal amount of negative charge on the side of the teapot furthest from the rod.

d) Excess positive charge will be created and it will be distributed evenly on the teapot.

e) The teapot will remain neutral overall with negative charge on the side of the teapot closest to the rod and an equal amount of positive charge on the side of the teapot furthest from the rod.

f) Excess positive charge will be created and it will be concentrated on the side of the teapot furthest from the rod.

g) Excess negative charge will be created and it will be distributed evenly on the teapot.

Would it be e, or "The teapot will remain neutral overall with negative charge on the side of the teapot closest to the rod and an equal amount of positive charge on the side of the teapot furthest from the rod." because it is an induced charge, first of all, and since electric charge cannot be created/destroyed, we can rule out a, b, d, f, and g. With only c and e left as answer choices, well since positive and negative charges attract, and the rod is positively charged, all the negative charge will gather towards the end closer to where the rod is.

Can someone check on this and tell me if it's right? Thanks!
 
Last edited:
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looks good to me. I agree with your answer. And nice explanation too.
 

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