We Can Figure This Out.org
Virtual Lab: Basic Charge Attraction &Amp; Repulsion (Pithballs)
 University of Virginia
             
 
© 2003-Present, John C. Bean
 
However, there is another repulsive force: There rod has too many electrons (it is net negatively charged) and they would like to get away from one another.

When the ball gets close enough, they see their opportunity and some of them will jump over to the neutral ball.

By spreading the excess electrons (originally stolen from the fur) between the ball and rod, the total repulsive force is slightly reduced.

 
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