SUBJECT: Charging by Induction
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DESCRIPTION: This java simulation illustrates how it is possible to charge a conductor without having direct contact.
We charge by induction by first bringing the conductor to the proximity of a charged object. If the object's charge is large enough, the charges within the conductor will be separated. Next, we ground the conductor, which allows charges of the same sign as the object to flow away. Finally, we unground the conductor, and discard the object. The conductor is now charged, and has the opposite sign of the original object.
VISUALIZATION: Start Simulation (you must have Java™ J2SE v1.4+ JRE installed. Mac OS X users need the Java3D update.)