Will Electrons Transfer from Body A to Body B?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the transfer of electrons between two negatively charged bodies, specifically exploring the conditions under which electrons might move from one body to another. The scope includes theoretical considerations, conceptual clarifications, and exploratory reasoning regarding electrostatic interactions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that if body A has more electrons than body B, electrons would transfer from A to B to achieve equilibrium.
  • Others suggest that the specific shapes and dimensions of the bodies could influence the electron transfer process.
  • A participant raises a hypothetical scenario involving two metal spheres of different sizes and electron counts, questioning whether electrons would move from one to the other or remain stationary.
  • One participant points out that the numbers provided regarding the electrons do not align correctly, prompting further inquiry into the calculations involved.
  • Another participant acknowledges a misunderstanding in their initial assessment after performing the calculations, indicating a shift in their reasoning.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the conditions affecting electron transfer, with no consensus reached on the specific outcomes of the proposed scenarios. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the exact mechanics of electron movement between the bodies.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include assumptions about the shapes and materials of the bodies, as well as the need for precise mathematical calculations to support claims about electron transfer.

Elsa1234
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If we have two negatively charged bodies , say A and B, and body A has more electrons on its surface than Body B , would the electrons of body A transfer to body B?
 
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What do you think, and why?
 
jtbell said:
What do you think, and why?
I don't know
 
Elsa1234 said:
I don't know

We aren't asking what you know (of course you don't know the answer - if you did you wouldn't be asking), we're asking what you think and why. You won't get very far with this sort of question if you don't at least try working it out for yourself - even if you don't get it right, you'll clarify the problem and the subproblems for yourself.

Here are some questions to help you get started:
1) What makes electrons move from one place to another?
2) What might stop them from moving from one place to another?
3) What would happen if the electrons did move?
4) What would happen if they didn't move?
 
I also would suggest to define better the problem taking, e.g. 2 equal spherical conductors separated by a given distance (in air? In the void?).

--
lightarrow
 
Nugatory said:
We aren't asking what you know (of course you don't know the answer - if you did you wouldn't be asking), we're asking what you think and why. You won't get very far with this sort of question if you don't at least try working it out for yourself - even if you don't get it right, you'll clarify the problem and the subproblems for yourself.

Here are some questions to help you get started:
1) What makes electrons move from one place to another?
2) What might stop them from moving from one place to another?
3) What would happen if the electrons did move?
4) What would happen if they didn't move?
I believe that the result might be that the electrons move from a body that is more charged to the other body which is less charged in order to maintain equilibrium
 
Elsa1234 said:
I believe that the result might be that the electrons move from a body that is more charged to the other body which is less charged in order to maintain equilibrium
This is true if the 2 bodies are of the same exact shape and dimensions.
Now what do you think it will happen if body A is a metal sphere with radius 1 cm, has 10 electrons on its surface, body B is a metal sphere with radius 2 cm with 15 electrons on its surface and they are allowed to come in contact? Electrons will move from A to B or the opposite or won't move at all?

--
lightarrow
 
lightarrow said:
This is true if the 2 bodies are of the same exact shape and dimensions.
Now what do you think it will happen if body A is a metal sphere with radius 1 cm, has 10 electrons on its surface, body B is a metal sphere with radius 2 cm with 15 electrons on its surface and they are allowed to come in contact? Electrons will move from A to B or the opposite or won't move at all?

--
lightarrow
The numbers don't come out right with the number of electrons you've given ;)
 
LittleMrsMonkey said:
The numbers don't come out right with the number of electrons you've given ;)
Why?

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lightarrow
 
  • #10
lightarrow said:
Why?

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lightarrow

I'm sorry,I hadn't done the math and was misled by my ape intuition.I did the math now and it works.
 

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