To attract particles using an electrostatic precipitator, you would use:

To effectively attract particles using an electrostatic precipitator, a positively charged electrode and a negatively charged plate work together to create an electric field that imparts a charge to the particles in the airstream. When the particles, which can be dust or other contaminants, pass through the electric field, they become charged through the process of ionization.

By utilizing a positively charged electrode and a negatively charged plate, the dynamics of attraction are optimized. The negatively charged particles are drawn towards the positively charged electrode due to the electrostatic force, facilitating their collection on the surface of the plate. This electrostatic process is essential for separating dust and other particles from the gas flow effectively, making the system efficient in reducing air pollution and improving overall air quality.

The effectiveness of this arrangement is rooted in the principles of electrostatics, where opposites attract. In contrast, utilizing a neutral electrode would fail to generate the necessary forces required for particle attraction, which is crucial for the operation of an electrostatic precipitator.