How to measure electrostatic charge in this scenario?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on measuring the electrostatic charge of an isolated block of aluminium charged by a Van de Graaff generator. It emphasizes the need to clarify whether the measurement pertains to net charge or surface bound charges. The geometry of the block is critical, as it is hypothesized that sharp edges will exhibit a stronger concentration of electric charge compared to flat surfaces. The charge distribution in the absence of an external electric field is expected to be uniform due to the free movement of electrons in metals.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrostatics and charge distribution
  • Familiarity with Van de Graaff generators
  • Knowledge of electric fields and potential differences
  • Basic principles of charge measurement techniques
NEXT STEPS
  • Research methods for measuring surface charge density on conductive materials
  • Explore the effects of geometry on electric field distribution in conductors
  • Investigate the use of electrostatic voltmeters for charge measurement
  • Learn about the principles of charge distribution in the presence of external electric fields
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, electrical engineers, and researchers interested in electrostatics and charge measurement techniques.

24forChromium
Messages
155
Reaction score
7
A block of aluminium is charged by a van-Graff generator and isolated in space, the goal is to measure the amount of electric charge in this block or at least a part of it. What equipment should be used and how?

Note: the purpose is to investigate how does the geometry of the block affect the concentration of electric charge in parts of the block, it is hypothesized that electrostatic charge is stronger in a sharp edge than in a flat side.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
By isolated do you mean not in the presence of an external electric field? Do you want net charge? On the surface, bound charges? The total charges on a microscopic scale would be the number of electrons and protons in the volume. isolated in no field the charge distribution is likely uniform as metals have electrons free to move. For charge distribution due to an external field you will have a surface charge distribution with no E field inside the block and the potential inside everywhere constant.
 

Similar threads

Graduate Electrostatic levitation of hair
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
Undergrad Confused about electrostatic voltage and DC voltage
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Undergrad Best way to focus charged particles back to their source?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
Graduate What are Some Unresolved Questions in Electrostatics?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
6K
Electrical How to maximize the efficiency of the corona discharge generator
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
How Can I Improve My DIY Van de Graaff Generator to Prevent Charge Leakage?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Electrostatics: Computing net charge on a specific surface using multiple tests
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Electrostatic Force and Charge Transfer in a Collision between Polystyrene Balls
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
Graduate Investigating the water-ice electret
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
How Does Sphere 3 Affect the Electrostatic Force on Sphere 2?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K