What would happen if the two pith balls shown in Figure A-1 were held together for a few moments, then
released?
A. The charge would leak off and the pith balls would hang straight down.
B. The pith balls would each receive a negative charge and they would move apart.
C. The charge would cause the pith balls to stick together.
D. The pith balls would each receive a positive charge and they would move apart.
D. i just took this test
ITS NOT D OK YALL
Based on the given options, the most appropriate answer would be B. The pith balls would each receive a negative charge and they would move apart.
To answer this question, we need to consider the basic principles of electrostatics. The behavior of the pith balls can be explained by the concept of charge and the interaction between charged objects.
When two objects are rubbed together, like the pith balls in this case, they acquire opposite charges. One ball will become positively charged, and the other ball will become negatively charged. The rubbing process transfers electrons from one ball to the other, causing the difference in charge.
Now, if we bring the two charged balls close together, they will experience an electrostatic force of attraction or repulsion, depending on their charges.
If the two pith balls have opposite charges (one positive and one negative, as a result of rubbing), they will experience an attractive force. This attraction is due to the opposite charges, causing the balls to be pulled towards each other.
Therefore, option C - "The charge would cause the pith balls to stick together" is the correct answer. When the two pith balls are held together for a few moments and then released, they will stick together due to the attractive electrostatic force between the opposite charges.
Option A - "The charge would leak off and the pith balls would hang straight down" is incorrect because the charges on the pith balls do not leak off easily, especially if the objects are insulating materials like pith balls.
Option B - "The pith balls would each receive a negative charge and they would move apart" is also incorrect. The rubbing process transfers charges between objects, resulting in one ball becoming positively charged and the other negatively charged. So, each ball receiving a negative charge is unlikely in this scenario.
Option D - "The pith balls would each receive a positive charge and they would move apart" is also incorrect because the rubbing process usually leads to one object gaining electrons (negative charge) and the other object losing electrons (positive charge).
Therefore, the correct answer is option C - "The charge would cause the pith balls to stick together."