Electricity and Charge: Understanding Attraction and Earthed Conductors

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concepts of electricity and charge, specifically the behavior of conductors when influenced by an insulator and the process of earthing. Participants clarify that earthing allows a previously isolated conductor to acquire a negative charge due to the attraction of positive charges from the insulator. Once the Earth connection is removed, the negative charge redistributes evenly around the conductor. The distinction between earthing and simply removing the insulator is emphasized, highlighting the unique effects of each process on charge distribution.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electric charge and its properties
  • Familiarity with conductors and insulators
  • Knowledge of earthing and grounding concepts
  • Basic principles of electrostatics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of electrostatic induction
  • Learn about charge distribution in conductors
  • Explore the effects of grounding in electrical circuits
  • Study the behavior of insulators and conductors in electric fields
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching electricity concepts, and anyone interested in the principles of electrostatics and charge behavior in conductors.

Cici2017

Homework Statement



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Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I chose B because I thought the positive charges in the insulator would attract the negative charges in the conductor to one side. I do realize that it is earthed for a short time. What difference does it make?

Thank you
 
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What happens when "the insulator is removed"?
 
mjc123 said:
What happens when "the insulator is removed"?
The negative charges redistribute themselves evenly around the conductor?
 
Yes
 
mjc123 said:
Yes
Oh~so 'earthing' has the same effect as removing the insulator?
 
No. Earthing allows the (previously isolated) conductor to acquire a negative charge as a result of attraction from the positively charged insulator. Then the Earth is disconnected (the question doesn't say this explicitly, but it is implied in "earthed for a short time") and then the insulator is removed, and the negative charge is redistributed.
 
mjc123 said:
No. Earthing allows the (previously isolated) conductor to acquire a negative charge as a result of attraction from the positively charged insulator. Then the Earth is disconnected (the question doesn't say this explicitly, but it is implied in "earthed for a short time") and then the insulator is removed, and the negative charge is redistributed.
okay, so if the insulator was not removed, the answer would have been B?
 
Yes
 
mjc123 said:
Yes
Thank you so much!
 

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