Charging by Induction
Physics: Cambridge International GCSE Supplement, topic 4.2.4
Charging by Induction
A charged object moved close to an uncharged object can induce (cause) charges in the uncharged object. This is called charging by induction.
Induction
- When a positively charged object is moved towards an uncharged metal, electrons inside the metal are attracted to the positively charged object.
- Electrons are free to move around inside metals, so the electrons within the metal move to be closer to the positively charged object.
Electron transfer
- The part of the metal closest to the positively charged object gains electrons, so gains a negative charge.
- The part of the metal furthest from the positively charged object loses electrons, so gains a positive charge.
Test yourself on Charging by Induction
What is charging by induction?
Which of the following are true of charging by induction?