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:

Question

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Which statement explains what will happen to the negative charge, and why?

(1 point)
Responses

It will only spread to the air around the sphere, because negative charges need to occupy a big area.
It will only spread to the air around the sphere, because negative charges need to occupy a big area.

It will remain only on one spot of the sphere, because the low conductivity of the metal prevents the charges from spreading out.
It will remain only on one spot of the sphere, because the low conductivity of the metal prevents the charges from spreading out.

It will slowly move to the bottom of the sphere, because the charges are heavy and will sink to the bottom.
It will slowly move to the bottom of the sphere, because the charges are heavy and will sink to the bottom.

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.

Answer 1

The correct response is:

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.

This explanation is accurate because metals are good conductors of electricity, allowing free movement of electrons. When the negatively charged rubber rod is brought into contact with the metal sphere, electrons from the rod will transfer to the sphere. Due to the nature of like charges repelling each other, the negative charges will distribute themselves evenly across the surface of the sphere, resulting in a uniform negative charge.