We Can Figure This Out.org
Virtual Lab: Pithball Ping Pong
University of Virginia
             
 
© 2003-Present, John C. Bean
 
BBecause of the negative charge on the rod, the electrons would like to spread farther apart. When the rod touches the end of the first conducting metal bar, some see their opportunity and move onto the bar. This leaves both the Teflon and metal bar with a mild negative charge.

In response to the metal bar’s negative charge, the ball’s electrons shift away to the right. This leaves the left side of the ball slightly positive. Because the ball’s positive side is closer to the metal rod than its negative side, the ball feels a net attraction to the metal bar.

 
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