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

21103 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Give one advantage and one disadvantage of using nuclear power stations rather than gas-fired power stations to generate electricity. (2 Marks)


PHYSICS A LEVEL Explain why, when a red giant becomes a white dwarf, it moves towards the lower left of the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram [2]


Whats the difference between speed and velocity?


Hanging on a branch of a tree, a monkey sees a hunter aiming a gun at him. The monkey lets go of the branch at the exact same time the bullet is fired. Explain why the bullet hits the monkey.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences