Electrostatic Induction in Metals vs Insulators

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SUMMARY

Electrostatic induction in metals and insulators results in attractive forces when a point charge is present. A small dielectric sphere experiences an attractive force due to the elongation and rotation of bound charges, while a small metallic sphere experiences a stronger attractive force due to the displacement of the electron gas. The discussion concludes that the attractive force in the metallic case is greater than or equal to that in the dielectric case, attributed to the perfect screening in conductors, which allows for a more effective induced charge distribution.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrostatic induction
  • Knowledge of dielectric materials and their properties
  • Familiarity with metallic conductors and electron displacement
  • Basic principles of electric fields and charge distribution
NEXT STEPS
  • Investigate the concept of electric field strength in dielectrics versus conductors
  • Explore the mathematical modeling of electrostatic induction
  • Learn about the properties of materials with high dielectric constants (kappa)
  • Examine experimental methods to measure induced charge distributions
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, electrical engineers, and researchers interested in electrostatics and material properties will benefit from this discussion.

rdjohns12
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If we have a small dielectric sphere and a point charge, they will experience an attractive force due to electrostatic induction. (From the elongation/rotation of charges bound to individual atoms).

Likewise, if we have a small metallic sphere and a point charge, they will experience an attractive force due to electrostatic induction. (From the displacement of the electron gas).

Can I accurately say that the attractive force for the metallic case is always greater than or essentially equal to the attractive force in the dielectric case?

I think this because the screening in conductor is perfect (i.e. infinite kappa), so the induced charge distribution will be large enough to cancel the entire field from the charge, whereas in the dielectric, the screening can be much worse or (for high kappa materials) at best approximately as good.

I have never seen this written down in quite the way I am asking it, so I am not sure if I am wrong.
 
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You can investigate the electric field generated at the point of the charge for both the cases to confirm your hypothesis.
 

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