What is electrostatic induction?

Electrostatic induction refers to the phenomenon where a charged object causes a redistribution of charges within a nearby conductor without any direct contact or the need for a conductive path. When a charged object is brought close to a neutral conductor, the electric field of the charged object influences the distribution of charges in the conductor. This results in the near side of the conductor becoming oppositely charged (due to the attraction of opposite charges) and the far side gathering like charges, effectively creating a polarized situation.

This process does not require physical contact between the charged object and the conductor, distinguishing it from other methods of charging, such as direct contact or charging by friction. In contrast, direct contact would mean charges flow from one object to another, while charging by friction involves the transfer of electrons due to the rubbing of two materials. Movement of charges in an electric field, while related to electrostatics, typically implies the existence of a conductive path and is more about the behavior of charges in the field created by an applied voltage or current rather than an induction process.