Charging a Two-Sphere System by Induction Using a Negative Object

The animation below depicts another induction process. Two neutral conducting spheres rest on top of insulating stands. A negatively charged balloon is brought near to (without touching) the left sphere. The presence of the negatively-charged balloon forces electron movement from the left sphere to the right sphere. This movement of electrons is merely a reaction to the presence of negatively-charged balloon (like charges repel). The result of the rightward movement of electrons through the spheres is that the spheres have become polarized. There is excess positive charge on the left sphere and excess negative charge on the right sphere. When the spheres are separated and the balloon is removed, the two spheres display a charge. The left sphere ends up with a positive charge (the opposite type of charge as the balloon). The right sphere ends up with a negative charge.

During the induction process, there is never any movement of electrons from the charged object to the spheres. The charged object is only used to induce electron movement. Electrons, being negatively charged, move about the conducting sphere as they are repelled by the negatively-charged tube. These electrons move into the sphere on the right which serves as a type of "ground" during the induction process. Since there was a loss of negative charge in the form of electrons from the left sphere, the overall charge on the left sphere is positive. On the other hand, the right sphere having gained the electrons has an overall negative charge. When the balloon is removed, the excess charge on the two spheres becomes uniformly distributed.

Дата добавления: 2014-01-05