Question

When a rubber rod is rubbed with rabbit fur, the rod becomes a) negatively charged. b) positively charged. c) neutral. d) either negatively charged or positively charged, depending on whether the fur is always moved in the same direction or is moved back and forth.

Short answer

Answer: The rubber rod becomes negatively charged after being rubbed with rabbit fur.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Triboelectric Series

The triboelectric series is a list of materials that determines the charge transfer when two materials come into contact. Materials on the top of the list tend to lose electrons and become positively charged, while materials on the bottom gain electrons and become negatively charged. Step 2: Find the materials in the Triboelectric Series

Find the materials in the Triboelectric Series

Look up the triboelectric series and determine where rubber and rabbit fur are located. Rubber is found towards the bottom of the list, while rabbit fur is found in a higher position. Step 3: Determine the charge transfer between the materials

Determine the charge transfer between the materials

Since rabbit fur is higher than rubber in the triboelectric series, it tends to lose electrons more easily while rubber tends to gain electrons. When rabbit fur rubs against the rubber rod, electrons are transferred from the fur to the rod, causing the rabbit fur to become positively charged and the rubber rod to become negatively charged. Conclusion:

Conclusion

According to the triboelectric series, when a rubber rod is rubbed with rabbit fur, the rod becomes (a) negatively charged.