Electric charge on rubbed objects

In summary, when two objects are rubbed together, one object can gain or lose electrons from the other, resulting in an imbalance of charges. The type of material can affect the amount of charge generated, with some materials gaining a larger amount of charge than others. Objects with the same charge will repel each other, and the amount of charge on an object can be measured using an electroscope. Electric charge cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred between objects, as stated by the law of conservation of charge.
  • #1
IAmUnique
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When two objects say glass, fur, plastic, ebonite rod etc are rubbed with each other then why is it that glass rod, wool, fur gain positive charge while ebonite rod, plastic rod gain negative charge? I know that it's because of transfer of electrons...but why does the transfer of electrons happen in a specific way itself?
 
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  • #2
The electrons are more or less tightly bound in the various materials, most tightly bound in an insulator.
 

Related to Electric charge on rubbed objects

1. What causes objects to become charged when rubbed together?

When two objects are rubbed together, electrons from one object can transfer to the other object, creating an imbalance of positive and negative charges. This results in one object becoming positively charged and the other becoming negatively charged.

2. How does the type of material affect the amount of charge generated when rubbed?

The type of material can affect the amount of charge generated because some materials have a stronger affinity for electrons than others. Materials with a higher affinity for electrons will gain a larger amount of charge when rubbed, while materials with a lower affinity will gain a smaller amount of charge.

3. Can objects with the same charge repel each other?

Yes, objects with the same charge will repel each other. This is because like charges repel, meaning that two positively charged objects or two negatively charged objects will push away from each other.

4. How can I measure the amount of charge on an object?

The amount of charge on an object can be measured using an instrument called an electroscope. This device detects the presence and magnitude of electric charge by using metal leaves that will either repel or attract each other depending on the charge of the object being measured.

5. Can electric charge be created or destroyed?

No, electric charge cannot be created or destroyed. It can only be transferred from one object to another. This is known as the law of conservation of charge, which states that the total amount of charge in a closed system will remain constant.

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