Electrostatic Induction

Key Stage 3

Meaning

Electrostatic induction is when a charged object induces a charge in a neutral object.

About Electrostatic Induction

Neutral objects are made of an equal number of positively charged protons and negatively charged electrons.

The electrons around an atom can move, so when a charged object is placed near a neutral the electrons can move towards or away from that charged object. This is electrostatic induction.

To learn more about Electrostatic Induction click on each of the picture below for a PHET simulation and once the balloon is charged place it near the neutral wall to see the induced charge.