Chapter 16, Problem 7Q

To determine

We want to contrast the net charge on a conductor to the "free charges" in the conductor.

Answer to Problem 7Q

Solution:

The net charge on the conductor is the excess charge, or unbalanced charge after it has been neutralized. The net charge is the sum of all negative charges and positive charges in the conductor. Neutral conductors have these free electrons.

Explanation of Solution

Contrast the net charge on a conductor to the “free charges” in the conductor. The net charge on the conductor is the excess charge, or unbalanced charge after it has been neutralized. The net charge is the sum of all negative charges and positive charges in the conductor. The net charge is negative if a neutral conductor has extra electrons added to it, On the other hand, if electrons are removed from it, it is positively charged. Free charges on a conductor, refer to those electrons that are free to move around in the conductor by an external electric force and are loosely attached to the nucleus by an external electric force. Neutral conductors have these free electrons.