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Photocopiers and electrostatic precipitators
Beginner
Practical uses of electrostatic forces.
A photocopier charges a drum, light discharges blank areas, toner sticks to the charged image, and is transferred to paper. Precipitators charge smoke particles and collect them on plates.
Removing fly ash from power station exhaust.
Both use Coulomb forces on small particles.
In more detail
Photocopiers and electrostatic precipitators use electrostatic forces to move particles. Charged toner or dust is attracted to a charged surface or electrode.
Real-world uses
- Photocopiers use charged drums to attract toner onto paper.
- Electrostatic precipitators remove dust from power station exhausts.
- Factories use electrostatic precipitators to remove dust from exhaust gases, and printers use static charges to place ink.
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Frequently asked questions
How does a precipitator work?
Dust particles are charged and then collected on oppositely charged plates.
Why use electrostatics?
It is efficient for removing very fine particles from gases.
How does an electrostatic precipitator work?
Dust particles are charged and then attracted to oppositely charged collecting plates, which removes them from the gas.
Related topics in Electrostatics
Cylindrical capacitor · Van de Graaff generator · Lightning and discharge · Millikan oil drop experiment · Motion of charge in uniform field · Cathode ray tube