Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Preface
- Contents
- Introduction
- ELECTROSTATICS AND CURRENT ELECTRICITY
- CHAP. I Physical Principles
- CHAP. II The Electrostatic Field of Force
- CHAP. III Conductors and Condensers
- CHAP. IV Systems of Conductors
- CHAP. V Dielectrics and Inductive Capacity
- CHAP. VI The State of the Medium in the Electrostatic Field
- CHAP. VII General Analytical Theorems
- CHAP. VIII Methods for the Solution of Special Problems
- CHAP. IX Steady Currents in Linear Conductors
- CHAP. X Steady Currents in Continuous Media
- MAGNETISM
- ELECTROMAGNETISM
- INDEX
CHAP. I - Physical Principles
from ELECTROSTATICS AND CURRENT ELECTRICITY
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 August 2011
- Frontmatter
- Preface
- Contents
- Introduction
- ELECTROSTATICS AND CURRENT ELECTRICITY
- CHAP. I Physical Principles
- CHAP. II The Electrostatic Field of Force
- CHAP. III Conductors and Condensers
- CHAP. IV Systems of Conductors
- CHAP. V Dielectrics and Inductive Capacity
- CHAP. VI The State of the Medium in the Electrostatic Field
- CHAP. VII General Analytical Theorems
- CHAP. VIII Methods for the Solution of Special Problems
- CHAP. IX Steady Currents in Linear Conductors
- CHAP. X Steady Currents in Continuous Media
- MAGNETISM
- ELECTROMAGNETISM
- INDEX
Summary
THE FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTIONS OF ELECTROSTATICS
State of Electrification of a Body.
We proceed to a discussion of the fundamental conceptions which form the basis of Electrostatics. The first of these is that of a state of electrification of a body. When a piece of amber has been rubbed so that it attracts small bodies to itself, we say that it is in a state of electrification–or, more shortly, that it is electrified.
Other bodies besides amber possess the power of attracting small bodies after being rubbed, and are therefore susceptible of electrification. Indeed it is found that all bodies possess this property, although it is less easily recognised in the case of most bodies, than in the case of amber. For instance a brass rod with a glass handle, if rubbed on a piece of silk or cloth, will shew the power to a marked degree. The electrification here resides in the brass; as will be explained immediately, the interposition of glass or some similar substance between the brass and the hand is necessary in order that the brass may retain its power for a sufficient time to enable us to observe it. If we hold the instrument by the brass rod and rub the glass handle we find that the same power is acquired by the glass.
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- Mathematical Theory of Electricity and Magnetism , pp. 5 - 23Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2009First published in: 1908