Creating static charge at a distance.

[res3210]

Is there any way to create an isolated point charge without any contact with the matter which one wishes to charge? I recognize that this would mean stripping off electrons from the substance, so I suppose my question is: is there any way to strip off electrons without having to specifically contact the object which one wishes to charge?

 

[VantagePoint72]

Define 'contact'. You can do it with a pulse of sufficiently energetic EM radiation, a strong electric field, etc. So, it can be done without matter touching matter. However, there has to be some sort of direct causal influence: in the examples I mentioned, field interacting with the matter.

 

[Bobbywhy]

res3210, Welcome to Physics Forums!

Yes, an object can be charged without direct contact by the method called "Induction". You can Google that or just have a look here:

“Charging by induction
Induction charging is a method used to charge an object without actually touching the object to any other charged object.”
See especially the section “Charging a Two-Sphere System Using a Negatively Charged Object” at: http://www.physicsclassroom.com/Class/estatics/U8l2b.cfm

 

[res3210]

Thanks for the information, guys.

 

[sardar]

There are several methods that can be used to create an isolated point charge without any direct contact with the matter. One way is through the process of induction, where a charged object is brought near the substance and causes a separation of charges within the material, resulting in an overall net charge on the object. This method does not require physical contact, but it does require the charged object to be in close proximity to the substance.

Another method is through the use of high voltage electric fields, such as those generated by Van de Graaff generators or Tesla coils. These devices can strip off electrons from the substance without direct contact, creating a charged object.

However, it is important to note that in both of these cases, the charged object and the substance are still in close proximity to each other and the charge is not truly isolated. In order to create a completely isolated point charge, it would be necessary to use specialized equipment such as ion beams or electron guns, which can strip off electrons from a distance. These methods are commonly used in scientific research and industrial applications.

In summary, while it is possible to create a point charge without direct contact with the substance, it is not possible to do so without some type of interaction or proximity between the charged object and the substance.