Chapter 32, Problem 10A

a. If electrons are rubbed from cat’s fur onto a rubber rod, does the rod become positively or negatively charged?

b. How about the cat’s fur?

To determine

Nature of charge on the rod.

Answer to Problem 10A

The rubber rod will be negatively charged.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

When an atom has loosely bound electrons, then electrons in the outermost shell loses and become free.

A rubber rod has tightly packed electrons. However, a cat’s fur is loosely bound. They have electrons loosely packed in the outermost shell. When a rubber rod is rubbed over the surface of a cat’s fur, then electrons from the cat’s fur are removed easily as compared to the rubber rod. Now, these free electrons are attracted to the rubber rod and attached to it.

Conclusion:

Thus, the rubber rod will be negatively charged.

To determine

Nature of charge on the cat’s fur.

Answer to Problem 10A

The cat’s fur will be positively charged.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

When an atom has loosely bound electrons, then electrons in the outermost shell loses and become free.

When a rubber rod is rubbed over the surface of a cat’s fur, then electrons from the cat’s fur are removed easily as compared to the rubber rod. Now, these free electrons are attracted to the rubber rod and attached to it.

Conclusion:

Thus, the cat’s fur will be positively charged.