Chapter 32, Problem 37A

Plastic wrap becomes electrically charged when pulled from its container. Does the charged wrap stick better to glass bowls or metal bowls?

To determine

To identify: Whether the charged plastic wrap sticks better to glass bowls or metal bowls.

Answer to Problem 37A

Plastic wraps stick to glass bowls.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

According to the charge conservation principle, an electron is neither created nor destroyed. They are attracted or repelled from one surface to another to conserve the quantity.

Since glass is a poor conductor compared to the metal. When plastic wraps are put in glass bowls then due to poor conductor of electricity, the surface of contact where charge exchange, is small. Hence, plastic wraps will stick together with glass bowls and become electrically charged.

If plastic wraps are put in metal bowls, then due to their conductor property. Charges will spread out over the surface. Because of which plastic wraps will not be able to stick together for a longer time.

Conclusion:

Thus, plastic wrap sticks better to glass bowls.