AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism Flashcards: Redistribution of Charge Between Conductors
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 10 cards to help you master important concepts.
What is the role of ground in relation to electric charge?
Ground can act as an effectively infinite source or sink for charge, absorbing or providing charge without changing its own zero electric potential.
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What is the role of ground in relation to electric charge?
Ground can act as an effectively infinite source or sink for charge, absorbing or providing charge without changing its own zero electric potential.
How can a net charge be induced on a conductor using grounding?
Charge can be induced on a conductor by grounding the conductor while it is in the presence of an external electric field.
What is meant by 'charging by induction'?
Charging by induction is the process where charge is induced on a conductor by grounding it in the presence of an external electric field.
What is the final electrical state of multiple conductors after they have been in contact and then separated?
After contact, the conductors will be at the same electric potential, and the total initial charge will be redistributed among them.
A neutral conducting sphere is placed near a strong positive charge. If the sphere is then briefly grounded, what will its net charge be after the ground is removed?
By grounding the conductor in the presence of the external positive electric field, it will acquire a net negative charge.
What is the fundamental principle that governs the redistribution of charge when conductors are in electrical contact?
When conductors are in electrical contact, charges will be redistributed such that the surfaces of each conductor are at the same electric potential.
When does the redistribution of charge between connected conductors stop?
The movement of charge ceases once the surfaces of each conductor have reached the same electric potential.
Define 'ground' in the context of electrostatics.
Ground is an idealized reference point that has zero electric potential and can absorb or provide an infinite amount of charge without changing its electric potential.
What is the defining characteristic of ground's electric potential?
Ground is an idealized reference point that is defined as having zero electric potential.
What happens to charge when two or more conductors physically touch each other?
When conductors physically contact each other, there is a movement and redistribution of charge between them until they reach equilibrium.