The correct statement is C: It will spread uniformly over the surface of the sphere because of the conducting nature of the sphere and similar charges push away from each other.
When the scientist touches the rod to the neutral metal sphere, the electrons on the rod will be transferred to the sphere. Since the metal sphere is a conductor, the electrons will be able to move freely throughout the sphere. Similar charges repel each other, so the negative charges will spread out as far as they can on the surface of the sphere, leading to a uniform distribution of charge.
A scientist wipes a rubber rod with a wool cloth which leads to a negative charge on the rod. After this, the scientist touches the rod to a neutral metal sphere. This will transfer the negative charges from the rod to the sphere:
Which statement explains what will happen to the negative charge, and why?
A It will remain only on one spot of the sphere, because the low conductivity of the metal prevents the charges from spreading out.
B It will slowly move to the bottom of the sphere, because the charges are heavy and will sink to the bottom.
C It will spread uniformly over the surface of the sphere, because of the conducting nature of the sphere and similar charges push away from each other.
D It will only spread to the air around the sphere, because negative charges need to occupy a big area.
1 answer
1 answer