Chapter 6, Problem 18STP

To determine

To describe: the distribution of charge on metal rod charged by induction when a positively charged plastic rod is brought near it.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:When a charged object is brought near a neutral object caused,rearrangement of electrons occurs. This is known as charging byinduction.

Since electrically charged objects need not be in contact to exert force on each other, electric forces can act at a distance. Charged object brought near a neutral object induces rearrangement of electrons on the neutral object.

When a positively charged plastic rod is brought near a metal rod the electrons near the metal surface are attracted towards it, whereas the positive charge on the metal move away from the plastic rod leaving a negatively charged area on the surface of the rod.

Conclusion: The surface of the metal rod near the plastic rod is negatively charged, whereas the surface away from it is positively charged, due to charge by induction.