Chapter 32, Problem 36A

When one material is rubbed against another, electrons jump readily from one to the other, but protons do not. Why is this? (Think in atomic terms.)

To determine

To explain: The reason for jumping of electrons from one to the other, but not the protons when two materials are rubbed.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

In an atom, proton and neutrons resides inside the nucleus and electrons orbits around the nucleus. Mass of electron is $9.1\times {10}^{-31}\text{kg}$ and the mass of the proton is $1.67\times {10}^{-27}\text{kg}$

As electrons are outside the nucleus, so less energy is required to transfer the electrons from one material to another material. Protons are tightly bound inside the nucleus , so a lot of energy will be required from transferring them from one material to another material. Also the mass of the electron is much smaller than the mass of the proton. So it is easier for the electron to jump from one material to another material, as compared to proton.