Electrostatic induction - rod and sphere

In summary, a positively charged metal rod brought near a neutral metal sphere will cause electrostatic induction, redistributing negative charges onto the side closer to the rod and positive charges onto the side further away. When the rod touches the sphere, the negative charges will flow onto the rod, neutralizing it and leaving the sphere positively charged. This is due to the attraction and repulsion of charges during induction.
  • #1
eranium
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Homework Statement



Hi all, need a little help on an electrostatic induction problem.

A positively charged metal rod is brought near to a neutral metal sphere. What is the charge of the metal sphere and the rod when the positively charged rod touches the neutral sphere.

Homework Equations



Nil

The Attempt at a Solution



I know that when the positively charged rod is near the sphere, there will be electrostatic induction. There will be charge redistribution on the metal sphere, negative charges will be on the side of the sphere that is closer to the rod and the positive charges will be on the other side of the sphere that is further away from the rod.

I am not sure what will happen when the positively charged rod touches the metal sphere. My guess is the negative charges on the already polarized sphere will flow into the positively charged rod, neutralising the rod and leaving the sphere positively charged.

will appreciate if someone can enlighten me on this. Thanks!
 
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  • #2
My guess is the negative charges on the already polarized sphere will flow into the positively charged rod, neutralising the rod and leaving the sphere positively charged.
... that was a well reasoned "guess", well done ;)

Induction is just charges being attracted and repelled.
The negative charges that were attracted to the rod will flow onto it - unless there is some reason for them not to.
 

1. What is electrostatic induction?

Electrostatic induction is the process by which a charged object, such as a rod or sphere, can influence the distribution of charges on another object without physically touching it.

2. How does electrostatic induction work?

When a charged object is brought near an uncharged object, the charges in the uncharged object will redistribute themselves in response to the electric field of the charged object. This creates an imbalance of charges, resulting in a temporary charge separation.

3. Can electrostatic induction be used to charge an object?

Yes, electrostatic induction can be used to charge an object. By bringing a charged object near a neutral object, the charges in the neutral object will redistribute to create a temporary charge separation. This can then be used to transfer charge to another object.

4. What is the difference between electrostatic induction and conduction?

Electrostatic induction involves the redistribution of charges in an object without direct contact, while conduction involves the transfer of charges through direct contact between objects. Additionally, electrostatic induction results in a temporary charge separation, while conduction results in a permanent transfer of charges.

5. How is electrostatic induction used in daily life?

Electrostatic induction is used in many everyday applications, such as in photocopiers, laser printers, and air purifiers. It is also used in electrostatic painting, where a charged object is used to attract and evenly distribute paint particles onto a surface.

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