Understanding Triboelectrics: Explaining the Transfer of Charge through Friction

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In summary, the conversation is about a problem in a textbook involving electrostatics and the transfer of charge between a perspex rod and an electroscope. The book's solution involves converting units and calculating the amount of charge transferred and the number of electrons transferred. The net charge on the electroscope is found to be +0.03uC and the deflection of the electroscope increases due to the repulsion of like charges. The conversation ends with a humorous comment about the confusion surrounding the solution.
  • #1
TheoehT
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Triboelectrics... Help please.

this problem is a worked example in my textbook.. but it looks like they have just pulled numbers from thin air. I really don't understand how they got these answers.. can anyone explain?

A perspex rod is rubbed with a piece of silk. it acquires a charge of 0.02uC

a) How many electrons are transferred?
b) is this charge is now transderred to an electroscope with charge +0.01uC what will be the net state of the electroscope?

Book's Solution:
0.02 x 10^-6 x 6.25 x 10^18 electrons -or-
a) 1.25x10^-11 electrons transferred.

b) total charge on the electroscope after transfer:
0.02uC + 0.01uC = 0.03uC (+)
the electroscope leaf deflection will increase and the net charge on the electroscope is now +0.03uC = 1.87x10^11 electrons depleted


I really don't understand, can anyone help?
 
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  • #2
okay here you go.

1 uC ( micro-columb ) = 1 * 10^-6 C

Charge on 1 electron = 1.6 x 10^-19 C

Number of electrons in 1 Columb = 1/(1.6 * 10^-19)
Which = 6.25 * 10^18 -points solution-

Amount of charge transferred = 0.02 * 10^-6 (points micro columb value above)
Amount of electrons transferred = Amount of charge transferred * number of electrons/C

so...

0.02 * 10^-6 * 6.25 * 10^18 = 1.25 * 10^-11 (electrons transfered)



For b, when u rub the rod with a piece of silk, it acquires a negative charge yeah?(electrons go from the rod to the silk)

So, if u transfer this charge to the electroscope, which already has +0.01uC, its total charge becomes +0.03uC
+0.02uC +0.01uC = +0.03uC

The deflection increases because like-charges repel, so if i have a higher charge on the scope, the leaves both possesses a higher charge, and thus experience more repulsion.

1.87 * 10^11 ?
i think u meant 1.87 * 10^-11
that'll be the number of electrons the electroscope is missing, if u calculate, that equals to 0.03uC

Thank ruby for this.. her fault
 
  • #3
thank catherine for this, her fault
 

What is triboelectricity?

Triboelectricity is a type of static electricity that is generated when two materials come into contact and then separate. This creates a charge imbalance between the two materials, resulting in a build-up of static electricity.

How is triboelectricity different from regular electricity?

Triboelectricity is different from regular electricity because it is a result of friction between materials, rather than the flow of electrons. It is also a type of static electricity, meaning that the charge remains stationary and does not flow through a circuit.

What are some examples of materials that produce triboelectricity?

Some common examples of materials that produce triboelectricity are plastic, glass, rubber, and fur. When these materials come into contact and separate, they can create a build-up of static electricity.

How is triboelectricity used in technology?

Triboelectricity has various applications in technology, such as in touchscreens, self-powered sensors, and energy harvesting devices. It can also be used to create electricity from everyday activities, such as walking or typing on a keyboard.

What are the potential benefits of triboelectricity?

The use of triboelectricity in technology has the potential to reduce our reliance on traditional energy sources and decrease our carbon footprint. It also offers a more sustainable and cost-effective way to generate electricity for everyday use.

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