Can a charged sheet attract uncharged objects?

In summary, when a large conducting sheet with uniform charge density is placed near two uncharged small metal rods, the sheet will attract both rods. This is due to electrostatic induction, where the sheet's charge creates an electric field that induces opposite charges on the rods, resulting in an attractive force between them.
  • #1
utkarshakash
Gold Member
854
13

Homework Statement


A large conducting sheet M is given a uniform charge density. Two uncharged small metal rods A and B are placed near the sheet on one side. Then
a)M attracts A
b)M attracts B
c)A attracts B
d)B attracts A

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


An electric field will be set up by the sheet but A and B are neutral. So how can it attract them?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Good Morning Utkarshakash,

Have a look at "electrostatic induction".

J.
 
  • #3
jfgobin said:
Good Morning Utkarshakash,

Have a look at "electrostatic induction".

J.

OK so if I assume the sheet to be +vely charged it will induce a -ve charge on the side of block A near to the sheet and +ve charge on the other end. Block A will then induce -ve charge on the side of B near to A and +ve charge to the other side. Am I right?
 

FAQ: Can a charged sheet attract uncharged objects?

What is electrostatics?

Electrostatics is a branch of physics that deals with the study of electric charges at rest and the forces they exert on each other.

What is an electrostatics problem?

An electrostatics problem is any question or scenario that involves the analysis of electric charges and their interactions with each other.

How is electrostatics different from electromagnetism?

Electrostatics deals with stationary electric charges, while electromagnetism deals with moving electric charges, also known as electric currents.

How can I solve an electrostatics problem?

To solve an electrostatics problem, you can use the principles of Coulomb's Law, which describes the force between two electric charges, or Gauss's Law, which relates the electric field to the charge distribution.

What are some real-life applications of electrostatics?

Electrostatics has several practical applications, including in the functioning of electronic devices, such as capacitors and transistors, and in industrial processes such as electrostatic painting and air filtration.

Similar threads

Back
Top