When a scientist wipes a rubber rod with a wool cloth, the process involves the transfer of electrons due to friction, a phenomenon known as triboelectric charging. In this case, the rubber rod becomes negatively charged.
Here's what happens in more detail:
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Triboelectric Series: Materials are ranked in a triboelectric series based on their tendency to gain or lose electrons. In this series, rubber tends to gain electrons, while wool tends to lose electrons.
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Electron Transfer: When the rubber rod is rubbed with the wool cloth, electrons are transferred from the wool to the rubber. This is because the rubber has a higher affinity for electrons compared to wool.
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Charging Process: As a result of gaining extra electrons, the rubber rod acquires a net negative charge. Conversely, the wool cloth ends up with a net positive charge due to the loss of electrons.
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Electrostatic Effects: The negatively charged rubber rod can then attract neutral or positively charged objects and can also repel other negatively charged items.
This process is an excellent demonstration of electrostatic principles and the interactions between charged objects.
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