Is there a way to attract electrons to something?

  • Thread starter MeanTomatoes
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In summary, the conversation is about power inhibition and finding a way to attract electrons to an object without damaging equipment, like an EMP. The idea of using a magnet to attract electrons is discussed, but it is noted that magnets only deflect moving electrons. The concept of creating a large positively charged object is mentioned as a potential solution, but it is also noted that this may not be practical. The Hall Effect is brought up as a way that magnets can affect current flow. The topic of shutting off cell phones remotely is briefly touched upon, but is deemed impractical and potentially illegal. Other suggestions, such as using a vacuum tube or liquid nitrogen, are mentioned as possible solutions.
  • #1
MeanTomatoes
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At the moment, I'm interested in power inhibition. One of my goals is to find something that knocks out power that DOESN'T damage equipment, like an EMP. I had an idea to find a way to attract electrons to an object, such as a magnet. Does anyone know of anything?
 
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  • #2
MeanTomatoes said:
At the moment, I'm interested in power inhibition. One of my goals is to find something that knocks out power that DOESN'T damage equipment, like an EMP. I had an idea to find a way to attract electrons to an object, such as a magnet. Does anyone know of anything?

Hi MeanTomatoes
This is a bit open ended, I think. What sort of thing did you have in mind?
You can't just inhibit electrical power from getting to a piece of equipment by just 'sucking all the electrons away and a magnet will not attract electrons. It will only deflect moving electrons.
 
  • #3
Exactly! I'm aware of magnets DEFLECTING electrons; that's why I'm asking if there's an energy or an object or anything that can attract them.
 
  • #4
Where are these electrons? Are they in the connecting cables?
 
  • #5
Loose electrons, electrons flowing in wires, basically anywhere that electrons can be attracted. Is there a way to attract electrons from insulated wires, or does it depend on how thick the insulation is, and how powerful this "special magnet" (or whatever we may discover) is?
 
  • #6
If this object isn't powerful enough, I could find something that increases the object's attraction strength. There could also possibly be a way to compress the distance while increasing the strength, if you know what I mean.
 
  • #7
I'm afraid this doesn't make any sense. You need to sit and read about the way electricity works and get familiar with the facts before trying to invent new, speculative systems to do 'Science Fiction' things.
 
  • #8
MeanTomatoes,
You know that if a simple DC circuit is energised then there is some "current" flowing from the voltage source (say, the battery) through the conducting wires, through the load (say a lamp) and back to the source. Since you want to interrupt this flow, why not open the conductive path with a switch? This normally does not damage the equipment.

As you must already know, electrons have a negative charge. Now, if you could create a large POSITIVELY charged object and place it near the conductor in the above example, do you expect that opposite charge would attract and or limit or stop the current flow?

Bobbywhy
 
  • #9
At the moment, I'm interested in power inhibition.

Magnets affect current flow via something called Hall Effect. Read up on that. My opinion is it's wildly impractical for your purpose but you should decide for yourself.

Are you trying to shut off cellphones remotely?
Great idea but I think it's against the law.
 
  • #10
No, I am not trying to shut off cell phones remotely. :P

Also, I would expect the electrons to be attracted to the positive magnet.

I was also suggested a vacuum tube with two electrical coils. We'll see! c:
 
  • #11
Just drown it all in liquid nitrogen. Most electrical components will survive it, but most circuits won't work any more.
 
  • #12
A magnetic field only affects a moving electron - and then it applies a force perpendicular to both the electrons direction AND the magnetic field - so it does not attract or repel.
 

FAQ: Is there a way to attract electrons to something?

How do I attract electrons to a specific object?

The process of attracting electrons to an object is known as "electrostatic induction". This can be achieved by bringing a charged object near the object you want to attract electrons to. The charged object will create an electric field that will cause the electrons in the nearby object to shift and become attracted to it.

Can I attract electrons to a non-metal object?

Yes, electrostatic induction can occur on both conductive and non-conductive objects. However, the strength of the attraction will depend on the material and its ability to hold a charge. Conductive materials, such as metals, are generally better at attracting and holding onto electrons than non-conductive materials.

Are there any other ways to attract electrons to an object besides electrostatic induction?

Yes, there are other ways to attract electrons to an object. One method is through the process of "frictional charging", where two objects are rubbed together and electrons are transferred from one object to the other. Another method is through "chemical reactions", where the transfer of electrons occurs as a result of a chemical reaction between two substances.

How can I increase the amount of electrons attracted to an object?

The amount of electrons attracted to an object can be increased by increasing the strength of the electric field created by the charged object. This can be done by increasing the charge of the object or by decreasing the distance between the charged object and the object being attracted to it.

Can I use electricity to attract electrons to an object?

Yes, electricity can be used to attract electrons to an object. This is known as "electroplating" and is commonly used in industries such as electronics and jewelry making. The process involves passing an electric current through a conductive solution, causing the transfer of electrons to the object being plated.

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