Why would dust be attracted to a CD wiped with a dry cloth?

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Dust is attracted to CDs wiped with a dry cloth due to the transfer of electrons during the wiping process, which charges the CD. This charging creates an electric field around the CD. The electric field polarizes nearby dust particles, causing them to be attracted to the charged surface. This phenomenon illustrates the interaction between static electricity and dust particles. Understanding this process highlights the physics behind everyday occurrences like dust attraction.
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In terms of physics, why is dust attracted to CD's after they are wiped with a dry cloth?
 
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kdkovach said:
In terms of physics, why is dust attracted to CD's after they are wiped with a dry cloth?
During the wiping process either electrons are transferred to the cloth from the CD or from the CD to the cloth. In either case the CD becomes charged. The charge produces an electric field which polarizes dust particles near it and the polarized dust particles are then attracted to the charged CD.

Pete
 
Thank you so much Pete. That helps a lot.
 

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