Question

A scientist is researching what happens when a neutral metal sphere located on an insulated stand is touched by a negatively charged rod. The set up for the scientist’s experiment is shown in the picture below.



What will happen to the excess electrons when the negatively charged rod touches the metal sphere?

(1 point)
Responses

The excess electrons will move from the rod to the sphere and spread out.
The excess electrons will move from the rod to the sphere and spread out.

The excess electrons will move from the sphere to the rod and stay close together.
The excess electrons will move from the sphere to the rod and stay close together.

The excess electrons will move from the sphere to the rod and spread out.
The excess electrons will move from the sphere to the rod and spread out.

Answer 1

The excess electrons will move from the rod to the sphere and spread out.

Because the rod is negatively charged, electrons flow onto the neutral conductor when they touch. In a conductor the excess charge resides on the surface and spreads out due to mutual repulsion, leaving the isolated sphere negatively charged.