Where Does the Charge Go When Connected to a Grounded Capacitor?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the behavior of a charged object when connected to a capacitor, with one side of the capacitor grounded. Participants explore the implications of charge transfer, potential differences, and energy storage in this scenario.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that when a charged object is connected to a capacitor, the charge of the object decreases as the capacitor gains charge, assuming the capacitor was initially uncharged.
  • Others argue that since one side of the capacitor is grounded, an equal and opposite charge will emerge from the ground to the other plate, creating a potential difference and storing energy.
  • A participant questions whether the charged object is moved away from the capacitor after transferring part of its charge, indicating uncertainty about the connection duration.
  • One participant clarifies that the charged object and the capacitor plate will reach the same electric potential, not necessarily the same charge, referencing the relationship C=Q/V.
  • Another participant acknowledges the correction regarding the relationship between charge and potential.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the specifics of charge transfer and the relationship between charge and potential, with multiple competing views remaining unresolved.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the assumptions about charge distribution, the duration of the connection, and the definitions of charge and potential in this context.

Nanoath
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What happens to a charged object, it can be anything, when it's connected to a capacitor, and the other side of the capacitor is grounded.
Does the charge disappear?
 
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No. When the charged object is connected to the capacitor(plate), the charge of the object will reduce as much as the charge increases in the capacitor (if the capacitor was uncharged before). In other words the capacitor(plate) will get the same charge as the object. (Both have either + or - charge). Since the other "side" of the capacitor is connected to the ground, an equal, yet opposite charge will "emerge" from the ground to the other plate. There is now a potential difference between the plates due to the charge differences of the plates, and thus energy is stored. Electrons cannot travel from one plate to the other because of the insulating material between them.

Charge never just "disappears" (in a local system).
 
This is my guess... You might want to check with somebody whose smarter than me...

Just to make it clear. You move the charged object from the capacitor after it has given part of its charge to the plate? So they don't stay connected.
 
Ofey said:
No. When the charged object is connected to the capacitor(plate), the charge of the object will reduce as much as the charge increases in the capacitor (if the capacitor was uncharged before). In other words the capacitor(plate) will get the same charge as the object. (Both have either + or - charge). Since the other "side" of the capacitor is connected to the ground, an equal, yet opposite charge will "emerge" from the ground to the other plate. There is now a potential difference between the plates due to the charge differences of the plates, and thus energy is stored. Electrons cannot travel from one plate to the other because of the insulating material between them.

Charge never just "disappears" (in a local system).

Right.
 
Ofey said:
No. When the charged object is connected to the capacitor(plate), the charge of the object will reduce as much as the charge increases in the capacitor (if the capacitor was uncharged before). In other words the capacitor(plate) will get the same charge as the object.

Careful, Ofey -- the charged object and the capacitor plate will eventually reach the same electric potential, not the same charge. C=\frac{Q}{V}.
 
Appreciate the correction
 

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