Whenever electrons are transferred between objects, neutral matter becomes charged. For example, when atoms lose or gain electrons they become charged particles called ions. Three ways electrons can be transferred are conduction, friction, and polarization.
Q. What happens if a charged object is brought close to a neutral object?
The presence of a charged object near a neutral conductor will force (or induce) electrons within the conductor to move. The movement of electrons leaves an imbalance of charge on opposite sides of the neutral conductor. The flow of electrons results in a permanent charge being left upon the object.
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Q. What happens if you have a positively charged object near a negatively charged one?
When two positively charged objects are brought near each other, a similar repulsive force is produced. When a negatively charged object is brought near a positively charged object, an attractive force is produced. Neutral objects have no influence on each other.
Q. Do objects have to touch to transfer electrons?
Polarization is the movement of electrons within a neutral object due to the electric field of a nearby charged object. It occurs without direct contact between the two objects. Electrons are transferred whenever there is friction between materials that differ in their ability to give up or accept electrons.
Q. How do you remove electrons from an object?
Objects with an excess of charge – either positive or negative – can have this charge removed by a process known as grounding. Grounding is the process of removing the excess charge on an object by means of the transfer of electrons between it and another object of substantial size.
Q. How can you charge a neutral object?
An electrically neutral object can be charged (i.e., given an electric charge) by using any of the following methods.
- Charging by friction: This kind of charging is done by rubbing one material with another.
- Charging by conduction: An object can also be charged by touching it to a charged body.
