What is an (electrostatically) induced charge?

When an electrically charged object (e.g rod) charges an uncharged object (e.g. metal sphere) that is nearby with the opposite charge. 

How does this happen?

The charged rod causes the charges on the sphere to be redistributed.

For instance, if the rod is positively charged and is brought near a point A on the surface of a sphere, a negative charge will accumulate at point A inside the sphere. This occurs because electrons inside the sphere are attracted to the rod and are free to move across electrically conducting objects.

*Important to note that the total charge of the sphere does not change.

HT
Answered by Herminia T. Physics tutor

21896 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What are Newton's Laws of Motion?


What are the different ways that energy can be transferred?


Ann and Bob play on a uniform seesaw. The seesaw is 4m long and Ann and Bob weigh 600N and 800N respectively. If both Ann and Bob start at one end of the seesaw and Bob starts to walk up the seesaw at 2m/s, after how long will the seesaw turn?


What are the definitions of a)voltage and b)current?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning