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how do you explain this dielectrophoresis phenomenon?
How do I explain the positive and negative DEP phenomena using this diagram?
Is this explanation correct?
If a suspended particle has polarizability higher than the surrounding medium, the electrode with higher electric field (+ in the figure) and the polarization charge of opposite polarity (δ−) will be induced by the high electric field side of the particle. In this case, the force exerted on δ− is greater than δ+, thus pushing the particle towards the region of higher electric field. This behaviour of a neutral particle moving towards a region of stronger electric field is called positive DEP. If the surrounding medium has a higher polarizability than the suspended particle, the electrode with higher electric field and the polarization charge of the same polarity will be induced by the high electric field side of the particle. In this case, the force exerted on δ+ greater than δ−, thus pushing the particle towards the region of lower field strength. This behaviour of a particle moving towards a region of weaker electric field is called negative DEP.

1 Answer
- PhilomelLv 76 years ago
This appears to be a good explanation of this diagram as pictured.
I would expect that a and b would also be slightly attracted to each other unless (+) is situated more in between them.