Question

Explain the theory of electrification by friction.

Answer 1

Explanation:

1. The process of making a neutral body into a charged body is known as electrification.
2. The electricity (i.e. transfer of electrons) that is produced due to friction is called frictional electricity.
3. When we rub two neutral bodies, there will be some transfer of electrons from one body to the other due to structural modifications because of the frictional forces acting on them.
4. In this method, one of the bodies acquires a negative charge while the other gets a positive charge, both of which are equal in magnitude.

Examples of electrification by friction:

1. When a glass rod is rubbed with a silk cloth, glass acquires a positive charge and silk cloth acquires a negative charge. Electrons are removed from glass rods and are added to silk cloth.
2. When an ebonite rod is rubbed with fur cloth, the rod acquires a negative charge and the cloth acquires a positive charge. Electrons are transferred from fur cloth to ebonite rod.