Chapter 6, Problem 1AC

Electrostatic charge results from

a. transfer or redistribution of electrons.

b. gain or loss of protons.

c. separation of charge from electrons and protons.

d. failure to keep the object clean of dust.

To determine

The source of electrostatic charges, from the following options.

Transfer or redistribution of electrons.

Gain or loss of protons.

Separation of charge from electrons and protons.

Failure to keep the object clean of dust.

Answer to Problem 1AC

Solution:

Option (a) is the correct option.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Electrostatic charges mean charges at rest on any insulated body.

Explanation:

Reason for the correct option:

Electrostatic charges are produced when there is a transfer of electrons from one body to another via some method like rubbing, electrical discharge.

Example:In real life situation, upon rubing a comb on the head for some time and then immediately placing the comb near some bits of paper, it can be seen that the comb attracts the bits of paper, and paper sticks to comb for some time.

The reason for this is the transfer of electrons from the comb to hair. This makes the comb charged and hence it attracts the paper.

Hence, option (a) is correct option.

Reason for the incorrect options:

Option (b) is incorrect because in an atom only electrons are mobile and can transfer from one body to another. Protons are embedded in the nucleus, hence not mobile.

Option (c) is incorrect because charge gets never separated from protons. Electrons themselves get transferred from one body to another body.

Option (d) is incorrect because dust is nowhere related to the science of electrostatics. So it’s meaningless.

Hence, options (b), (c) and (d) are incorrect.

Conclusion:

Hence, the electrostatic charges result from the transfer and redistribution of electrons.