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.

Question

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

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.

Answer 1

When the negatively charged rod touches the neutral metal sphere, the excess electrons will move from the rod to the sphere. Because the sphere is conductive, the excess electrons will spread out across its surface. Therefore, the correct response is:

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