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

22173 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Explain the process of nuclear fission.


An electric whisk in a bakery has two motors, each with an average power of 1500W. The whisk is used for 4 hours each day, 7 days a week. Electricity costs 18p per kilowatt-hour. Calculate the cost of the electricity used by the whisk in one week.


A box is at rest on a slope with an angle ϴ. Find an expression for the static friction coefficient, μ, of the box.


A musical instrument produces a sound wave with a frequency of 1000 Hz. The sound wave has a wavelength of 0.34 m in air. Calculate the speed of the sound wave in air.


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning