If a conductor gets an induced charge is then grounded

In summary, a neutral conductor can acquire an induced charge when a charged object is brought close to it. If the conductor is then grounded, it will acquire the necessary charges from the ground to become neutral again. However, if only one side of the conductor is grounded, it will be left with an unbalanced charge. In the case of a positively charged object, the conductor will have a net negative charge, and in the case of a negatively charged object, the conductor will have a net positive charge. This process is known as electrostatic induction and has interesting applications, such as Lord Kelvin's thunderstorm.
  • #1
1MileCrash
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If a neutral conductor gets an induced charge and is then grounded, will electrons from the ground flow into the conductors induced positively charged side, resulting in a net negative charge for the whole conductor?
 
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  • #2
A conductor with a net unbalanced charge, which is then grounded, will acquire whatever charges needed from the ground to become neutral once more.

OTOH: if you induce a separation of charges in a neutral conductor (say, by bringing a charged object close to the conductor) and ground one side of the conductor, then it will be left with an unbalanced charge.

eg. bring a negatively charged sphere close to a neutral conductor to get + charges on the near side and - charges on the opposite. Briefly ground the far side. Remove the sphere. The conductor is now positively charged.
 
  • #3
As Simon says: if the charged object which is inducing the separation of charge on the neutral conductor is negatively charged and you briefly ground the neutral conductor on the side furthest away from the charged object, the conductor will then have a net positive charge. If the charged object is positively charged, the conductor will end up with a net negative charge. You'll find ' Lord Kelvin's thunderstorm' to be a fascinating application of electrostatic induction.
 

What is grounding and how does it affect a conductor with an induced charge?

Grounding is the process of connecting an object to the Earth's surface, typically through a conductive wire or rod. When a conductor with an induced charge is grounded, the excess charge is transferred to the Earth, leaving the conductor neutral.

What is an induced charge and how does it occur?

An induced charge is a temporary charge that is created on a conductor when it is brought near a charged object. This occurs due to the redistribution of electrons on the surface of the conductor in response to the electric field of the charged object.

Why is it important to ground a conductor with an induced charge?

If a conductor with an induced charge is not grounded, it can create potential hazards, such as electric shocks or damage to electronic devices. Grounding ensures that the excess charge is dissipated safely, preventing any potential harm.

Can a conductor with an induced charge be grounded multiple times?

Yes, a conductor with an induced charge can be grounded multiple times. Each time it is grounded, the excess charge is transferred to the Earth, neutralizing the conductor. This can be done as a safety precaution or to prevent damage to electronic equipment.

What happens to the induced charge when a conductor is grounded?

When a conductor with an induced charge is grounded, the excess charge is transferred to the Earth, leaving the conductor neutral. This process is known as grounding or earthing and is used to dissipate any potential hazards associated with the induced charge.

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