For metals, the repulsion of particles might be explained by a type of force between materials that depends on their electrical properties, which could make particles move away from metal surfaces.
Scientific Claim
Repulsive van der Waals forces (Casimir-Polder forces) may explain EZ phenomena near metal surfaces, as the dielectric properties of metals, water, and plastic microspheres satisfy the conditions for such repulsion.
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
appropriately stated
Study Design Support
Design supports claim
Appropriate Language Strength
probability
Can suggest probability/likelihood
Assessment Explanation
The study presents theoretical calculations suggesting this mechanism could explain EZ phenomena near metals, but notes that experimental evidence is mixed. 'May explain' appropriately reflects the theoretical nature of this explanation.
Source Excerpt
“Calculations using Lifshitz theory show that the finite size of the slabs does not effect the repulsion between them. Having free electrons, the dielectric constant of metals is extremely high (for instance Milling take the dielectric constant of gold to be 300). The dielectric constant of water is 78 and the dielectric constant of a polystyrene microsphere is about 2.5 (other plastic microspheres should have dielectric constants between 1.5 and 3). Thus, the metal-microsphere-water system obeys the conditions necessary for Casmir Pollard repulsion.”
Evidence from Studies
Supporting Evidence (1)
The study presents theoretical calculations showing that the dielectric properties of metals, water, and plastic microspheres satisfy the conditions for Casimir-Polder repulsion, which could explain EZ phenomena near metal surfaces.