2007-01-25 03:38:51 · 4 answers · asked by whoknows 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
A charged rod attracts an aluminum can by electrostatic induction.
The charged rod pulls opposite charges in the metal towards it and pushes like charges away. Now that the opposite charges are closer, Coulomb's law dictates that there will be a net attractive force.
The problem with plastic is that it does not have as many free electrons to carry charge to and fro as a metal does. Therefore, there won't be a significant separation of charge in the can and you won't observe an attraction.
2007-01-25 03:57:42 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. Apparently, there was a voltage difference between the charged rod and the can. If the same static charge is placed on the plastic can as on the aluminum one, the attraction will be the same. The difference between the 2 attractions will be that, once in contact, the attraction will be maintained longer for the plastic rather than for the aluminum since aluminum conducts so readily.
2007-01-25 11:56:38 · answer #2 · answered by Gary H 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are you sure the can was aluminum and not steel?
It may be possible to have a charge on plastic that could create some electical attraction, but I doubt it would be very strong or long-lived.
2007-01-25 11:44:27 · answer #3 · answered by wayfaroutthere 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no way, because it only attracts metals
2007-01-25 11:43:34 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋