Question

As an object acquires a positive charge, its mass usually

(a) decreases.

(b) increases.

(c) stays the same.

(d) becomes negative.

Short answer

The correct answer is option (a) decreases

Step-by-step solution

Meaning of positively and negatively charged object

An object is supposed to be negatively charged if one electron is added, and positively charged when one electron is removed from its outer shell.

Explanation for the given options

If an electron is attached to the object, the object obtains a negative charge. The mass of the object adds the electron and thus the mass of the object increases.

Suppose an object acquires a positive charge; it loses electrons. So, the mass of the object does not remain the same. The mass of an object cannot be negative.

When electrons are removed from an object, it becomes positively charged. Since electrons have mass, as they are eliminated from the object, the mass of the object reduces.

Hence, the correct option (a).