INDUCED CHARGE SEPARATION Why are neutral objects attracted

INDUCED CHARGE SEPARATION

Why are neutral objects attracted to any type of charged object? The reason is a phenomenon known as induced charge separation. In induced charge separation, a charged object causes the electrons on a neutral object to shift temporarily to one part of the neutral object, creating what looks like a positive side (where electrons have left) and a negative side (where the electrons have moved) on the neutral object. The object remains neutral, since no electrons have been removed from or added to the object.

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Induced charge separation causes neutral objects to attract to both + and – charged objects When a negative rod is brought near neutral paper circles, the electrons on the paper are repelled by the negative charge on the rod. They will move to the side of the paper furthest from the rod. This induces what looks like a positively charged side closest to the negative rod. Since negatives (rod) attract positives (side of paper closest to the rod), the paper will be attracted to the rod.

Induced charge separation causes neutral objects to attract to both + and – charged objects - - - - - + - + - - - - - + - + - + - - - + - -+ Paper attracts to the negative rod

Induced charge separation causes neutral objects to attract to both + and – charged object When a positively charged rod is brought near neutral paper circles, the electrons on the paper are attracted to the positive rod. They will move to the side closest to the rod. This induces what looks like a negatively charged side on the paper closest to the positive rod. Since positives (rod) attract negatives (side of paper closest to the rod), the paper will be attracted to the rod.

Induced charge separation causes neutral objects to attract to both + and – charged objec + + + +- + Paper attracts to the positive rod