Negative electrical charge on water? Help

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the feasibility of charging water negatively to repel it from a similarly charged metal surface. Users reference the concept of using paint sprayers that apply a charge to paint, suggesting a parallel application for water. The Kelvin water dropper is highlighted as a practical example of generating a charge in water without wiring, producing positively charged water. This indicates that while remote charging of water may not be straightforward, methods exist to manipulate water's electrical properties.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrostatics and charge interactions
  • Familiarity with the Kelvin water dropper and its operation
  • Knowledge of paint sprayer technology and electrostatic principles
  • Basic principles of electron guns and their applications
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the operation and principles of the Kelvin water dropper
  • Explore the applications of electrostatic paint sprayers in various industries
  • Investigate the use of electron guns in charging particles
  • Examine the effects of electrostatic repulsion in fluid dynamics
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This discussion is beneficial for physicists, engineers, and hobbyists interested in electrostatics, as well as those exploring innovative applications of charged fluids in technology and art.

bergsj
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Negative electrical charge on water?? Help!

Hello everyone:

I have heard about paint sprayers that put a charge on the paint as it exits the sprayer - the charged paint is then attracted to the metal surface being painted, provided the metal surface is charged with the opposite charge.

My question is this: Is it possible to do the same with water, except without any wiring? For example, if I wanted to put a negative charge on falling rain to repel it from a metal surface that is also negatively charged? Is it possible to remotely charge water - maybe with an electron gun or something similar? Is this even possible?

Thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Try the Kelvin water dropper as explained in Wikipedia. There are numerous videos on the internet showing the actual gadget in operation. You can make one of these at home. You get positively charged water as an extra bonus with this!
 

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