Induction in dielectric objects Electrostatic induction

paper snippets attracted charged cd

a similar induction effect occurs in nonconductive (dielectric) objects, , responsible attraction of small light nonconductive objects, balloons, scraps of paper or styrofoam, static electric charges. in nonconductors, electrons bound atoms or molecules , not free move object in conductors; can move little within molecules.

if positive charge brought near nonconductive object, electrons in each molecule attracted toward it, , move side of molecule facing charge, while positive nuclei repelled , move opposite side of molecule. since negative charges closer external charge positive charges, attraction greater repulsion of positive charges, resulting in small net attraction of molecule toward charge. called polarization, , polarized molecules called dipoles. effect microscopic, since there many molecules, adds enough force move light object styrofoam. principle of operation of pith-ball electroscope.