Electrostatics, electrons, protons, and all that good stuff

AI Thread Summary
Two uncharged metal balls, X and Y, experience charge separation when a positively charged ball Z is brought near them. The positive charge of ball Z induces a shift in electrons, causing ball Y to become positively charged and ball X to gain a negative charge. When balls X and Y are separated, they retain their induced charges, resulting in ball X being negatively charged and ball Y positively charged. The total charge of the two balls remains zero, as no charge is created, only redistributed. This illustrates the principle of electrostatic induction effectively.
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Electrostatics, electrons, protons, and all that good stuff:)

Homework Statement



Two uncharged metal balls, X and Y, stand on glass rods, are in touch as shown to the right. A third ball Z, carrying a positive charge, is brought near the first two (closer to Y than X). Then the first two balls are separated from each other, and ball Z is finally removed. What are the charges (if any) on each of the balls?

Homework Equations



none

The Attempt at a Solution



After applying my new knowledge of electrostatics I concluded that x is positive and y is neutral, but I'm not sure so any help would be great! :smile:
 
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I would say partly right.
If I am visualizing it correctly, the positive charge induces a charge separation on the xy pair.
It pushes positive charges away and pulls negative ones closer. That should leave a net charge on x and on y. In any case the total charge on x plus y must be zero because nothing has touched the pair of them to add any charge.
 


That is true...so no change other than a shift in negative electrons should be observed and they should both remain neutral?

I just want to get this straight, whenever the y ball has been induced to be positive by the z ball(-) and x is in touch to y while this is occurring nothing should change?
 


There is a change! Charge is moved from one ball to the other. Electrons are pulled toward the positive charge - they move from the ball that is further away to the ball that is closer to the positive charge. This leaves each of the balls with a net charge. The total of the charges on the two balls is zero because charges are only moved, not created.
 


Oh ok that makes sense, thank you!:)
 
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