How Does Proximity to a Van de Graaff Generator Affect an Insulated Conductor?

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When an insulated conductor is placed near a Van de Graaff generator, it acquires a charge of the same sign as the generator due to electrostatic induction. The insulated conductor, not being grounded, allows charge to accumulate without dissipation. The ionization of air particles facilitates the movement of charge, enabling this phenomenon. Understanding the principles of electrostatics is crucial to grasping these concepts fully. Further research on insulated conductors and Van de Graaff generators can provide additional insights.
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Homework Statement


Why when an insulated conductor is placed very close to the Van de Graaff generator dome, the conductor will have an excessive charge of the same sign as the dome?

What is an insulated conductor?!
why can the charge travel in air?

Homework Equations


Electrostatics knowledge

The Attempt at a Solution


I guess insulated conductor means it is a conductor but it is not earthed by the hands when manipulating it? When it places very near, they share charges by ionising the air particles?
 
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Clara Chung said:

Homework Statement


Why when an insulated conductor is placed very close to the Van de Graaff generator dome, the conductor will have an excessive charge of the same sign as the dome?

What is an insulated conductor?!
why can the charge travel in air?

Homework Equations


Electrostatics knowledge

The Attempt at a Solution


I guess insulated conductor means it is a conductor but it is not earthed by the hands when manipulating it? When it places very near, they share charges by ionising the air particles?

About the first you ask just google it and see the pictures. Also take a look at the Wikipedia article:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insulator_(electricity).
For the second you're on the right path but you have to study about it. A good start is: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Van_de_Graaff_generator
 
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