Random electron striking a neutral conductor

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SUMMARY

A random electron striking a neutral conductor does not lead to a permanent increase in voltage due to the conductor's ability to dissipate excess charge. When electrons strike a conductor, any net charge is typically neutralized through grounding or interaction with surrounding materials. This phenomenon explains why individuals are not electrocuted from everyday exposure to cosmic rays and other charged particles, as conductors are usually connected to the ground or other conductive materials that allow charge to escape.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic electrical concepts, including charge and voltage
  • Familiarity with grounding techniques in electrical systems
  • Knowledge of particle physics, specifically regarding charged particles
  • Awareness of cosmic rays and their effects on materials
NEXT STEPS
  • Research grounding methods in electrical engineering
  • Study the effects of cosmic rays on electronic devices
  • Explore the principles of charge distribution in conductors
  • Learn about the behavior of electrons in conductive materials
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineers, physicists, and anyone interested in the interactions between charged particles and conductive materials.

Bruce Haawkins
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if a random electron strikes a neutral conductor does it get absorbed and increase the voltage of the conductor
 
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since the electron has a negative charge and the conductor has a neutral charge it makes sense to me that the electron will absorb. However if I had 10 electrons striking the conductor and a nano secound later five and the conductor was connected to the earth, will any of the electrons reflect
 
You need to be aware that charge particles strike a lot of things, including conductors, all the time. Cosmic rays consist of such particles. So this is not uncommon.

So now, use this experience that you live with everyday to come up with a plausible answer. After all, if charge particle strikes are common, why haven't you been electrocuted yet due to this buildup in voltage? Most conductors are attached to other conductors and other things. Most are grounded. Any net charge that a conductor gets from such strikes will flow out of that conductor. Even one that is isolated is not truly "isolated", because it is surrounded by air, water vapor, etc. where at some point, access charge will be able to escape.

Zz.
 
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