Induced Electrical Charges

Three objects demonstrate the way in which electrical charges affect conductors and nonconductors. A negatively charged rod, A, affects the way charges are distributed in a nearby conductor, B, and a nonconductor, C. A positive charge is induced on the sides of B and C that are nearest A; a negative charge is induced on the sides of B and C that are farthest from A. In the conductor, B, the separation of charge involves the entire object because the electrons are free to move. In the nonconductor, C, the separation of charge is limited to the way in which the electrons redistribute themselves within an atom. This effect is most noticeable if the nonconductor is close to the charged object.