We Can Figure This Out.org
Virtual Lab: Basic Charge Attraction &Amp; Repulsion (Pithballs)
 University of Virginia
             
 
© 2003-Present, John C. Bean
 
Now that both the ball and rod are negative, they want to get away from one another and the ball is driven to the left. So we have explained the complete sequence:

Neutral ball and neutral rod = No force

Rod steals electrons from the fur becoming negative

Charges on the ball "polarize" and the ball is drawn to the rod

Some of the extra electrons on the rod jump to the ball and the ball (now negative) is driven to the left

 
Last Scene