When a metal sphere of a few micrometers in diameter is placed in an electrolyte solution and a current is passed through the solution, the sphere becomes electrically charged due to the applied voltage creating an electric field. As a good conductor, the sphere's electrons or holes rearrange to counteract the electric field, leading to charge distribution on its surface. Ions in the solution are attracted to these charges, which creates a shielding effect. The discussion emphasizes that the electric field generated is relatively small, typically around 2-3V across several centimeters of electrolyte, allowing the problem to be approached using electrostatics principles. The interaction of the sphere with the electric field raises questions about its motion; if the sphere is set in motion, the influence of the electric charge on its trajectory is considered, although the specifics of this effect are not fully explored.
