Electricity and Charge: Understanding Attraction and Earthed Conductors

In summary, the conversation discusses the effect of removing an insulator from a conductor that has been earthed for a short time. It is determined that earthing allows the conductor to acquire a negative charge from the positively charged insulator, and removing the insulator leads to a redistribution of the negative charge. It is also noted that if the insulator had not been removed, the answer would have been B.
  • #1
Cici2017

Homework Statement



Screen Shot 2017-07-24 at 6.49.06 pm.png

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I chose B because I thought the positive charges in the insulator would attract the negative charges in the conductor to one side. I do realize that it is earthed for a short time. What difference does it make?

Thank you
 
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  • #2
What happens when "the insulator is removed"?
 
  • #3
mjc123 said:
What happens when "the insulator is removed"?
The negative charges redistribute themselves evenly around the conductor?
 
  • #4
Yes
 
  • #5
mjc123 said:
Yes
Oh~so 'earthing' has the same effect as removing the insulator?
 
  • #6
No. Earthing allows the (previously isolated) conductor to acquire a negative charge as a result of attraction from the positively charged insulator. Then the Earth is disconnected (the question doesn't say this explicitly, but it is implied in "earthed for a short time") and then the insulator is removed, and the negative charge is redistributed.
 
  • #7
mjc123 said:
No. Earthing allows the (previously isolated) conductor to acquire a negative charge as a result of attraction from the positively charged insulator. Then the Earth is disconnected (the question doesn't say this explicitly, but it is implied in "earthed for a short time") and then the insulator is removed, and the negative charge is redistributed.
okay, so if the insulator was not removed, the answer would have been B?
 
  • #8
Yes
 
  • #9
mjc123 said:
Yes
Thank you so much!
 

Related to Electricity and Charge: Understanding Attraction and Earthed Conductors

What is electricity?

Electricity is a form of energy that is created by the movement of electrons. It can be found in nature, such as in lightning, or harnessed for human use through the use of conductors and circuits.

How does electricity create attraction?

Electricity creates attraction between charged particles. Opposite charges (positive and negative) attract each other, while like charges (positive and positive, or negative and negative) repel each other.

What is the role of conductors in electricity?

Conductors are materials that allow electricity to flow through them easily. They are typically made of metals, such as copper or aluminum, which have a high number of free electrons that can move freely and carry an electric current.

What does it mean for an object to be "earthed"?

When an object is earthed, it means that it is connected to the ground or Earth. This allows excess electrical charge to flow from the object into the ground, creating a neutral charge. This is important for safety and can prevent damage to electrical equipment.

Why is it important to understand electricity and charge?

It is important to understand electricity and charge because it is a fundamental aspect of our daily lives. It powers our homes and devices, and understanding how it works can help us use it safely and efficiently. It also plays a crucial role in many scientific fields, such as electronics, physics, and chemistry.

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