Water bends when charged object is near

In summary, when a charged object is brought near water, the polar molecules in the water interact with the charged particles in the object, causing the water to bend. This bending is caused by the electric field created by the charged object, and the degree of bending is affected by the distance between the two. Water bends towards the charged object due to the attraction between the positive end of the water molecule and the negative charge, and the bending is only temporary and will return to its original state once the charged object is removed.
  • #1
guay
9
0

Homework Statement


Why is it that when a charged object is near a stream of water (polar), it causes the stream to bend towards the object (attraction) instead of bend away (repulsion)? I know why the water bends, but why does it not REPEL instead?

Homework Equations


N/A just an explanation is needed


The Attempt at a Solution


I did some research and it has something to do with electrostatic force which I don't understand.

Thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org

Related to Water bends when charged object is near

1. How does water bend when a charged object is near?

When a charged object is brought near water, the charged particles in the object will interact with the polar molecules in the water. This interaction causes the water molecules to align with the charged object, resulting in a slight bending of the water.

2. What causes water to bend when a charged object is nearby?

The bending of water is caused by the electric field created by the charged object. This electric field exerts a force on the polar water molecules, causing them to align and bend towards the charged object.

3. Does the distance between the charged object and water affect the degree of bending?

Yes, the degree of bending is affected by the distance between the charged object and water. The closer the charged object is to the water, the stronger the electric field and the greater the bending of water molecules.

4. Why does water only bend towards a charged object and not away from it?

This is due to the polar nature of water molecules. The positive end of the water molecule is attracted to the negative charge of the charged object, causing the molecule to bend towards it. The negative end of the water molecule is repelled by the negative charge, preventing the water from bending away from the charged object.

5. Is the bending of water a permanent effect?

No, the bending of water is only a temporary effect caused by the presence of the charged object. Once the charged object is removed, the water molecules will return to their original state and the water will no longer appear to be bent.

Similar threads

I Seeking Visualization Tools for Hypothetical Black Hole Concept
    • Cosmology
Replies
2
Views
1K
B How many electrons to make a stable gravitational object?
    • Classical Physics
Replies
5
Views
1K
Point charge with very thin metal sheet along a spherical surface
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
21
Views
912
I Meaning of "Static Electricity" and Physical Interpretation
    • Electromagnetism
Replies
20
Views
1K
B Problems I Have With Electrostatics and Pith Ball Experiments
    • Classical Physics
Replies
10
Views
2K
Formula derivation connecting vertical water flowrate & horizontal distance moved by a suspended sphere
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
6
Replies
207
Views
5K
Understanding the Interaction Between a Charged Rod and a Metal Sphere
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
1K
Force of pressurized water exiting a hose or pipe?
    • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
20
Views
8K
I How Does Surface Tension Balance Small Objects on Water Surface?
    • Classical Physics
Replies
5
Views
1K
I Yet another spacetime-bending layman question
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
8
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top