Chapter 32, Problem 20A

What does it mean to say an object is electrically polarized?

To determine

To explain: The meaning of a statement that an object is electrically polarized.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

When a charged object is brought near to an insulator, then insulator object becomes polarized.

When an object or an insulator is brought near to a charged object, then the surface which is nearer to the insulator exchanges charged particles that is electrons until both surfaces have an equal amount of charged particles. Thus, due to charge induction, positively charged particles will make a side in the insulator and negatively charged particles will make another side in the insulator. Thus, the insulator will be electrically polarized.

Conclusion:

Thus, an electrically polarized object is an object that separates both charges.