Static Electricity on metal sphere

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem related to static electricity involving a metal-coated sphere and its interaction with a charged rod. Participants are examining the behavior of charges within the sphere as it approaches the rod, as well as the underlying principles of electrostatics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the movement of electrons in response to the charged rod and question the balance of forces due to the presence of both positive and negative charges in the sphere.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants providing insights into the behavior of charges and raising questions about the interactions at play. There is an acknowledgment of the complexity of the situation, particularly regarding the cancellation of forces.

Contextual Notes

One participant has requested clarification on the problem statement, indicating that the original attachment may not have been accessible. This suggests that some information may be missing or unclear, impacting the discussion.

DarkPhoenix
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(b) An uncharged metal-coated sphere hangs from an insulating thread. The sphere is brought
near to the rod. The sphere is attracted to the rod, as shown in Fig. 11.1.

(i) Describe and explain what happens to the free electrons in the metal-coated sphere as it
approaches the rod.
(ii) Draw a diagram to show how charge is distributed on the sphere.
(iii) Explain why the uncharged sphere is attracted to the negatively-charged rod.

(d) Describe one device where electrostatic charging is used. In your answer include a
diagram and explain how and why the charge is produced.
 
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Hi DarkPhoenix! :smile:
DarkPhoenix said:

The Attempt at a Solution



(b)(i) Electrons move towards the right since like charges repel.
(ii) Unlike Charges attract. Thus, positive charges from sphere are attracted to rod.

(i) Yes. :smile:

(ii) ah, but surely the negative charges from the sphere are repelled from the rod; and there are an equal number of positive and negative charges; so why doesn't all the attraction and repulsion cancel out? :wink:
 

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