Can You Charge Something Negatively Through Induction?

[Darth Frodo]

This isn't a homework question as such, but according to my physics book in electricity it is always the negative (electrons) charge that move. Is it possible to charge something negatively via induction?
I mean the last step in the process is earthing the object, if you Earth it, do positive charges move?

 

[grzz]

Is it possible to charge something negatively via induction?
I mean the last step in the process is earthing the object, if you Earth it, do positive charges move?

'Yes' to the first question and 'no' to the second.

 

[Darth Frodo]

So how do you charge negatively? By "adding" negative charges?

 

[grzz]

Yes.

 

[asteriatic]

Yes, it is possible to charge something negatively through induction. In induction, a charged object is brought near a neutral object, causing the charges in the neutral object to separate. This separation creates an imbalance of positive and negative charges, resulting in a net negative charge on one side of the object and a net positive charge on the other side. This is known as induced charge.

In the last step of the process, when the object is grounded, it allows the excess negative charges to flow into the ground, leaving the object with a net negative charge. This happens because the ground acts as a reservoir for electrons to flow into or out of, depending on the charge of the object. So, while the positive charges do not necessarily move, the negative charges are able to move and create a net negative charge on the object.

In summary, it is indeed possible to charge something negatively through induction and the grounding process helps to maintain this negative charge. However, it is important to note that the movement of charges in induction is not limited to just negative charges, but can also involve the movement of positive charges depending on the circumstances.